COMMUNITY

Later this year, on 1 October 2025, States Parties will elect five new members to the UN Committee against Torture (CAT). As of August 19, ten candidates have been nominated by State Parties to the UN Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment: six men and four women.

The CAT is entrusted with monitoring the implementation of the UN Convention against Torture, ensuring that States Parties comply with their international legal obligations to prevent and protect from torture and other ill-treatment. Since its adoption, the Convention has served as a cornerstone of international law, inspiring legislation, reinforcing essential safeguards, and advancing recognition of victims’ rights. The Committee is currently composed of eight men and two women. Historically, women’s representation within the Committee has been approximately 21%. In this context, the election of Committee members with the necessary expertise, independence, balanced gender representation, and diversity is vital to ensuring the effective fulfillment of this mandate.

To highlight the upcoming elections and foster open dialogue, Amnesty International, Association for the Prevention of Torture (APT), Geneva Human Rights Platform, International Federation of ACATs, International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims (IRCT), International Service for Human Rights (ISHR), Omega Research Foundation, REDRESS, World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT) and GQUAL Campaign is bringing together candidates and States Parties for a virtual discussion.

🔎 The Program:

• Get to Know the nominees: Candidates will introduce themselves, share highlights of their professional track record, and present their vision to strengthen the prevention and protection from torture and ill-treatment.
• Questions from States Parties: Following introductions, States will have the floor to ask questions addressed to all nominees, with equal opportunity for responses. Civil society will propose questions for an interactive dialogue. 

 

📅 Date of the event: 4 September 2025

🕑 Time: 1:00–3:00 PM CEST (Geneva time)

🔗 Register here: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_39YbP1utR8-MhloAgikd4g#/registration

 

In parallel, candidates have also been invited to complete a questionnaire developed in consultation with civil society. Their answers, covering qualifications, experience, and priorities, will be made publicly available on the OMCT and IRCT websites in the week leading up to the event.

 

Join us to promote openness, accountability, and equal opportunity in the CAT elections.