In a continuing bid to eradicate the practice of torture, top United Nations officials today used the occasion of the annual observance of International Day in Support of Victims of Torture to call for renewed efforts to end impunity and prevent cruel treatment and punishment.
On behalf of Secretary-General Kofi Annan, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson has approved grants totalling $8 million to organizations supporting survivors of torture.
A lead United Nations human rights body has convened in Geneva to review measures adopted by eight UN Member States to prevent and punish acts of torture.
The lead United Nations human rights body today condemned all forms of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, which it said "could never be justified under any circumstances."
