The deliberate infliction of torture on children is an “unbearable reality” in many conflicts and human rights crises around the world, but the international community must continue to demonstrate its commitment to holding the perpetrators of such acts accountable as well as assist the recovery of affected children, the United Nations human rights chief said today.

Human rights experts from the United Nations and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) today called on the United States Government to promptly close the Guantánamo Bay detention facility and end impunity for abuses in the so-called ‘global war on terror’ such as ‘enhanced interrogation techniques’ and extraordinary rendition.

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has renewed his call for Member States to repudiate the use of torture amid the international community’s ongoing fight against terrorism and provide victims of the inhumane practice with support critical in helping them rebuild their lives.