Congratulations to the New UN Special Rapporteur on Torture, Dr Juan Mendez and Thank You to His Predecessor

News
05-11-2010
The IRCT congratulates Dr Juan Mendez, who today takes up the position as the United Nation’s new Special Rapporteur on Torture.

With his background and merits in the field of human rights and transitional justice Dr Mendez, who was tortured himself during the former Argentinean dictatorship, the IRCT believes that the Human Rights Committee has made and excellent choice among an extremely experienced and qualified field of candidates for this crucial position.

In its work to support torture survivors around the world the IRCT relies on and highly appreciates its collaboration with the regional and international mechanisms devoted to the prevention of torture and the rehabilitation of its victims. In this respect we place high importance on building and maintaining relationships of mutual trust and confidence with the individuals representing these bodies.

“During his time in office as Special Rapporteur on Torture we have had the privilege of enjoying such a relationship with Professor Manfred Nowak, who has always been exceptionally supportive towards the needs of torture survivors and the concerns of torture rehabilitation centres. We are confident that the IRCT will build an equally close and constructive relationship with Dr Mendez in his new capacity”, says IRCT Secretary-General Brita Sydhoff and adds:

“I look very much forward to collaborating with Dr Mendez and am delighted to extend my warmest congratulations to him today.”

“At the same time I want to express my most sincere appreciation of our collaboration over the past five years with Professor Nowak and thank him for his unfaltering commitment in fulfilling his mandate. His devotion, professionalism and not least his personal courage has meant a real difference for torture survivors across the world.”

More information:

Torture survivor becomes UN torture expert