Special Rapporteur on Torture to visit Chile

GENEVA (13 October 2023) – The UN Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, Alice Jill Edwards, will conduct an official visit to Chile from 16 to 27 October 2023.

During her visit, Edwards will examine the national legal and institutional framework on the prohibition and prevention of torture; the conditions of detention, including in prisons, psychiatric institutions and juvenile justice facilities; measures in place to protect asylum seekers, refugees and migrants; and those to rehabilitate torture victims, survivors and their families, both in historic and recent cases.

The expert will meet with authorities and other stakeholders at the national and regional levels. She will also hold discussions with representatives of investigative and monitoring bodies, the United Nations, civil society organisations, lawyers, victims and their families. She is expected to travel to Santiago de Chile, Valparaiso, Temuco, Iquique and Colchane. The visit takes place at the invitation of the Government.

Edwards will present her preliminary observations at a press conference on 26 October 2023 at 11 am at the OHCHR Regional Office for South America, Av. Dag Hammarskjöld 3269, Vitacura. The press conference will be streamed live. Access will be strictly limited to registered journalists (please see information below).

The Special Rapporteur will present a comprehensive report on the visit in a forthcoming session of UN Human Rights Council.