Human Rights Council – 61st Session
Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on torture
Statement delivered by Denmark on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic States
March 2^nd 2026

Special Rapporteur,

I have the honour of delivering this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic States.

At the outset, I want to acknowledge that this marks the final interactive dialogue of your mandate. We commend your steadfast and tireless dedication and efforts to amplify the voices of survivors and that you are leaving a lasting mark on the global fight against torture and ill-treatment.

We welcome your moving report and the development of the new Charter of Rights of Victims and Survivors of Torture. Your report compellingly demonstrates how survivor perspectives are indispensable to understanding the full impact of torture and ill-treatment. Torture is an abhorrent crime which has no justification under any circumstances. In order to develop measures that restore dignity and ensure lasting accountability, it is imperative to ensure a victim- and survivor-centred and gender-responsive approach to the global fight against torture.

We emphasise the need for ensuring prompt and effective legal remedies, reparations, and support for survivor-led networks. Public awareness, education campaigns, and recognition of survivors’ experiences are equally vital to building a lasting culture of zero tolerance for torture.

Special Rapporteur, what would be the most effective ways to ensure that survivors’ voices are embedded at every stage of anti-torture policies and reparation programmes, so that their experiences can guide meaningful reform?

Thank you.