Despite a strong international legal framework outlawing torture, much more needs to be done to end this scourge, United Nations human rights officials have stressed, adding that special attention be given to ensuring better protection for women.

While lauding Denmark's efforts to combat torture, an independent United Nations human rights expert who just visited the country said the country still has room for progress.

Torture, ill-treatment and impunity for the perpetrators are widespread in police custody in Nigeria, though apparently not in the prison system, and the Government should take decisive steps to implement its obligations under international law to criminalize these practices, an independent United Nations human rights expert said today, while welcoming progress in other areas.

A landmark pact allowing experts to visit detention centres unannounced in a bid to protect against torture and a forthcoming draft convention protecting disabled persons both highlight recent outstanding human rights achievements, a senior United Nations official told an international meeting in Geneva today.