The Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) has been a stalwart champion of human rights, yet a stark contrast has emerged with the continued use of torture across its region. The United Kingdom has joined 39 other countries in a scathing condemnation of this heinous practice, specifically targeting Russia and Belarus. On the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture 2026, Denmark led the coalition in delivering a joint statement that reinforced an unwavering commitment to eradicating torture and cruel treatment.
The statement underscored the absolute prohibition of torture under international law, yet alarming reports from various sources confirm its perpetuation. The Helsinki Final Act and human rights commitments undertaken by OSCE participating states have been disregarded in favour of widespread abuse. Russia's actions are particularly egregious, with the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU) and the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine documenting systemic acts of torture against prisoners of war and civilians.
Accounts from Ukrainian detainees paint a harrowing picture of systematic abuse, including beatings, electric shocks, and inhumane detention conditions. Furthermore, Russia's reluctance to cooperate with independent international monitoring mechanisms has hindered access to places of detention, exacerbating the situation. The UK-led coalition also condemned Belarus for its widespread and systematic torture and ill-treatment.
The UN Group of Independent Experts on the Human Rights Situation in 2026 reported beatings, electric shocks, forced psychiatric treatment, sexual violence, and inhumane detention conditions. Russia's decision to withdraw from the European Convention for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (ECPT) has been met with regret by the coalition, which urged reconsideration before its effective withdrawal in November.
The participating states reaffirmed their commitments made in the 2020 Tirana Ministerial Council Decision on the Prevention and Eradication of Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. They stressed that torture can never be justified, even in exceptional circumstances such as armed conflict or security concerns. The coalition welcomed the Swiss Chairpersonship's work on a Roadmap for prevention and eradication.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all travel to Ukraine and Belarus due to the ongoing conflict and security situation. British nationals currently in these countries are urged to depart if it is safe to do so. The UK's participation in this joint statement serves as a stark reminder of its commitment to upholding human rights standards across the globe.