Despite the absolute prohibition of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment under international law, notably art. 5 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, such practices continue to occur in various forms and contexts worldwide.
This event will provide a platform for a debate, with relevant contributions including the voice of prominent survivors' testimonies, institutional and civil society interventions, as the UN Special Rapporteur on torture Alice Jill Edwards, and Lorent Saleh, awarded the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought by the European Parliament in 2017.
The next ordinary meeting of the Subcommittee on Human Rights is scheduled to take place on 22-23 June 2026 in Brussels.
The next ordinary meeting of the Subcommittee on Human Rights is scheduled to take place on 22-23 June 2026 in Brussels.
According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, 2025 was the deadliest year on record for journalists and media workers. Press freedom globally has also reached its lowest level in 25 years, as highlighted in the 2026 World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders.
The exchange will feature panellists from Reporters Without Borders, Cartoonists Rights, and the EEAS, who will examine ongoing violations and discuss ways to uphold the protection of press freedom worldwide.