OSCE plans new anti-torture activities with Armenian authorities

YEREVAN, 26 June 2001 (OSCE) - The OSCE Office in Yerevan joins in commemorating the United Nations International Day in Support for Victims of Torture on June 26, which will be marked for the third time since 1998. Created by a Resolution of the General Assembly of the United Nations (UN/GA/Res/52/149), this initiative intends to work towards " the total eradication of torture and the effective function of the Convention against Torture and Other, Inhuman and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment"

In this context, the OSCE intends to undertake several activities in co-operation with the Armenian authorities in the field of prevention and eradication of torture and ill treatment, notably taking into account international and regional commitments of the country in this sphere. The OSCE already assists several countries of the OSCE area in defining national strategies to combat occurrence of torture and ill treatment mainly through the Advisory Panel for the Prevention of Torture of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights. Further information will be available soon concerning related activities in Armenia.

The OSCE Office in Yerevan was established in February 2000 to promote the implementation of OSCE principles and commitments as well as the cooperation of the Republic of Armenia within the OSCE framework, in all OSCE dimensions, including the human, political, economic and environmental aspects of security and stability.

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For further information please contact the Ms. Christine Mardirossian, Human Rights Officer, OSCE Office in Yerevan, tel: 37 41 54 10 64; email: cmardi@osce.am