“Copenhagen-Kyiv Outcome Declaration: A Roadmap to Exterminate Torture”- Amina Bouayach Address at the Closing Ceremony of the 14th International Conference
Copenhagen-Kyiv Outcome Declaration was adopted at the 14th International Conference of National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs), held from 6 to 8 November 2023, in Copenhagen, Denmark.
In her statement, Mrs. Amina Bouayach, Chairperson of the National Human Rights Council (CNDH), welcomed the adoption of this declaration, emphasizing that it serves as a roadmap to eradicate torture and ill-treatment. She underscored the significance of this declaration as a substantial step in combating torture, highlighting its participatory process involving over 60 stakeholders and approximately 300 in-person and remote participants.
Mrs. Bouayach emphasized that the Outcome Declaration reflects the concerns of both independent National Mechanisms for the Prevention (NPMs) of torture and those within NHRIs.
This declaration provides explicit guidelines on necessary actions, particularly in terms of enhancing NHRIs capacities, cooperation with those responsible for places of deprivation of liberty and raising public awareness.
CNDH Chairperson stressed the need to strengthen the multinational human rights system by establishing new institutions to guarantee the 30 commitments of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).
Mrs. Bouayach affirmed that the Copenhagen-Kyiv Outcome Declaration should be integrated into the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) action plan and NHRIs strategies at the national level. Hence, she called upon NHRIs and various partners, including the Committee against Torture (CAT), the United Nations (UN) and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), to support the declaration.
In this regard, Mrs. Bouayach underlined that this declaration will serve as a point of reference for NHRIs worldwide and will contribute to strengthening their capacities to conduct effective actions.
The Outcome Declaration highlights the importance of the synergy between NPMs and NHRIs mandates in promoting human rights culture. It recommends that NHRIs be granted a clear mandate to combat torture and prevent ill-treatment. It also calls on States to ratify the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment and implement its provisions.