UN human rights expert on torture to visit Ukraine

During her visit, Edwards will focus on the procedures and practices of investigation and prosecution of crimes of torture committed in the context of the armed conflict, including rape and other sexual violence. She will also review the treatment and conditions of detention, including for prisoners of war, those accused of war crimes and those otherwise facing charges in connection with the conflict.

The Special Rapporteur will meet senior Government officials, representatives of the Ukrainian Parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, and members of the judiciary. She will also hold discussions with representatives of investigative and monitoring bodies, the United Nations, civil society organisations, lawyers, victims and their families. The visit is taking place at the invitation of the Government.

The expert will hold a press conference on 10 September 2023, at 11 am (UKR local time), at the Hyatt Regency Kyiv (5, Alla Tarasova Street, Kyiv), Paris room. Access will be strictly limited to journalists.

Edwards will present her report to the Human Rights Council in March 2024.

Ms. Alice Jill Edwards is the Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment was appointed as Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment by the United Nations Human Rights Council on 8 July 2022. His/Her mandate covers all countries and has most recently been renewed by Human Rights Council resolution 52/7.

The Special Rapporteurs are part of what is known as the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council. Special Procedures, the largest body of independent experts in the UN Human Rights system, is the general name of the Council’s independent fact-finding and monitoring mechanisms that address either specific country situations or thematic issues in all parts of the world. Special Procedures’ experts work on a voluntary basis; they are not UN staff and do not receive a salary for their work. They are independent from any government or organization and serve in their individual capacity.

For more information and media requests, please contact Mr. Alessandro Marra (alessandro.marra@un.org/+41 22 928 93 21)

For media inquiries related to other UN independent experts, please contact Maya Derouaz (maya.derouaz@un.org) or Dharisha Indraguptha (dharisha.indraguptha@un.org)

Follow news related to the UN’s independent human rights experts on Twitter: @UN_SPExperts

The Special Rapporteur on Torture is on Twitter: @DrAliceJEdwards