169 Countries Voted to Approve a GA resolution Opposing Torture; Only 3 Countries Opposed - the US, Israel, and Argentina : Shared by Kul Gautam
Three countries - the United States, Israel, and Argentina - vote against a UN General Assembly resolution aimed at preventing and ending this use of torture.
These resolutions used to be adopted unanimously. What does it say when these states oppose any opposition to torture?
Background:
Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (A/C.3/80/L.49/Rev.1)
Multiple Countries (60+ co-sponsors)
United Nations General Assembly - Third Committee
November 12, 2025
Click here for the full text
Summary:
The UN General Assembly's Third Committee approved a revised draft resolution reaffirming the absolute prohibition of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment under all circumstances. The resolution emphasizes that torture is a non-derogable right that cannot be suspended during armed conflict, emergencies, or on grounds of national security or counter-terrorism. It condemns all forms of torture and calls on states to implement effective measures to prevent such acts, investigate allegations promptly and impartially, and prosecute perpetrators.
The resolution stresses that acts of torture constitute grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions, can constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity, and calls for accountability through national and international mechanisms including the International Criminal Court.
Key provisions include requirements for legal safeguards in detention, prohibition of secret detention facilities, bans on evidence obtained through torture, non-refoulement protections for persons at risk of torture, training for law enforcement on non-coercive interrogation methods, and establishment of national preventive mechanisms.
The resolution emphasizes the importance of rehabilitation services for torture victims and calls for redress including compensation, restitution, and guarantees of non-repetition. It welcomes the work of the Committee Against Torture, the Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture, and the Special Rapporteur, while calling for adequate resources and cooperation from all states. The resolution urges states to ratify the Convention Against Torture and its Optional Protocol, and appeals for contributions to the UN Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture.
Quotes:
"Freedom from torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment is a non-derogable right under international law, including international human rights law and international humanitarian law, which must be respected and protected under all circumstances." - Resolution text
"All forms of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment...are and shall remain prohibited at any time and in any place whatsoever and can thus never be justified." - Resolution text
"Prolonged incommunicado detention or detention in secret places can facilitate the perpetration of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment and can in itself constitute a form of such treatment." - Resolution text
"Conflict-related sexual violence may amount to torture." - Resolution text"States must ensure that no statement or evidence that is established to have been obtained as a result of torture is invoked as evidence in any proceedings." - Resolution text
These resolutions used to be adopted unanimously. What does it say when these states oppose any opposition to torture?
- The Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment was adopted by the UN General Assembly on December 10, 1984. It was signed by the United States on April 18, 1988, and came into force on June 26, 1987.
- The General Assembly adopts resolutions reaffirming the Convention every three years and this year the resolution (A/C.3/80/L.49/Rev.1) was similar to those of the past.
- Until this year the GA's third committee has adopted the resolution by consensus. However, this year the US delegation insisted on a vote.
- Three countries - the US, Israel, and Argentina opposed the resolution. Four countries abstained. and 169 countries voted to approve the resolution.
- The EU delegation issued a statement: ""The triennial resolution on 'Torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment' has traditionally been adopted by consensus by the Third Committee."
- Although the US delegation normally issues an explanation of its vote, so far it does not
Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (A/C.3/80/L.49/Rev.1)
Multiple Countries (60+ co-sponsors)
United Nations General Assembly - Third Committee
November 12, 2025
Click here for the full text
Summary:
The UN General Assembly's Third Committee approved a revised draft resolution reaffirming the absolute prohibition of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment under all circumstances. The resolution emphasizes that torture is a non-derogable right that cannot be suspended during armed conflict, emergencies, or on grounds of national security or counter-terrorism. It condemns all forms of torture and calls on states to implement effective measures to prevent such acts, investigate allegations promptly and impartially, and prosecute perpetrators.
The resolution stresses that acts of torture constitute grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions, can constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity, and calls for accountability through national and international mechanisms including the International Criminal Court.
Key provisions include requirements for legal safeguards in detention, prohibition of secret detention facilities, bans on evidence obtained through torture, non-refoulement protections for persons at risk of torture, training for law enforcement on non-coercive interrogation methods, and establishment of national preventive mechanisms.
The resolution emphasizes the importance of rehabilitation services for torture victims and calls for redress including compensation, restitution, and guarantees of non-repetition. It welcomes the work of the Committee Against Torture, the Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture, and the Special Rapporteur, while calling for adequate resources and cooperation from all states. The resolution urges states to ratify the Convention Against Torture and its Optional Protocol, and appeals for contributions to the UN Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture.
Quotes:
"Freedom from torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment is a non-derogable right under international law, including international human rights law and international humanitarian law, which must be respected and protected under all circumstances." - Resolution text
"All forms of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment...are and shall remain prohibited at any time and in any place whatsoever and can thus never be justified." - Resolution text
"Prolonged incommunicado detention or detention in secret places can facilitate the perpetration of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment and can in itself constitute a form of such treatment." - Resolution text
"Conflict-related sexual violence may amount to torture." - Resolution text"States must ensure that no statement or evidence that is established to have been obtained as a result of torture is invoked as evidence in any proceedings." - Resolution text
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