E/CN.4/2004/56
page 4
6.
The Special Rapporteur recalls paragraph 36 of Commission on Human Rights
resolution 2001/62, in which the Commission “[R]equests the Special Rapporteur to continue to
consider inclusion of information in his report on the follow-up by Governments to his
recommendations, visits and communications, including both improvements and problems
encountered”. As indicated in the last report to the Commission, the Special Rapporteur has
reminded Governments of countries where a visit has taken place of the observations and
recommendations formulated in the respective reports. The Special Rapporteur has requested
information on the consideration given to these observations and recommendations, the steps
taken to implement them, and any constraints which may prevent implementation. At the time of
writing, the Special Rapporteur has received information from the Governments of Azerbaijan,
Chile, Mexico, Romania, Turkey and Uzbekistan, as well as from non-governmental
organizations (NGOs). This information is reflected in addendum 3 to the present report. The
Special Rapporteur reiterates his continuing interest in receiving follow-up information on
country visits.
7.
From 19 to 25 February 2003 the Special Rapporteur attended a part of a session of the
Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) of the Organization of American
States. Both members of IACHR and the Special Rapporteur stressed the importance of
adopting consistent approaches to the fight against, and the prevention of, torture and
ill-treatment. A commitment was made to foster collaboration between the two mechanisms
through an exchange of information and common strategies, and possible future joint actions
were discussed.1 The Special Rapporteur appreciated the assistance provided to him by the
Association for the Prevention of Torture (APT)2 during these consultations.
8.
On 15 May 2003, the Special Rapporteur met again with the Committee against Torture
and with the Board of Trustees of the United Nations Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture,
with a view to strengthening the collaboration among United Nations mechanisms dealing with
the question of torture. Issues of common interest were discussed, including those related to the
expected entry into force of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other
Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, which establishes a framework to allow
visits by independent international and national bodies to places of detention.
9.
From 23 to 27 June 2003, the Special Rapporteur participated in the 10th meeting of
special rapporteurs/representatives, independent experts and chairpersons of working groups of
the special procedures of the Commission on Human Rights. Among the issues discussed
were enhancing the effectiveness of the special procedures system and capacity-building
(see E/CN.4/2004/4).
10.
On 25 June 2003, the Special Rapporteur participated in a round-table discussion on the
prohibition of torture in the context of anti-terrorism measures. It was organized by the World
Organization against Torture3 (OMCT), the Swiss section of Action by Christians for the
Abolition of Torture4 (ACAT), APT and Amnesty International.5
11.
On 26 June 2003, on the occasion of the United Nations International Day in Support
of Victims of Torture, the Special Rapporteur, together with the Committee against Torture,
the Board of Trustees of the Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture, and the United Nations