Dear colleagues, partners, and friends,
As 2025 comes to a close, it is a time to reflect on a year of progress and challenges in the global effort to prevent torture and ill-treatment.
2025 has been a particularly difficult year for many engaged in the fight against torture. Rising polarisation, authoritarianism and a push back on human rights, coupled with major funding cuts, have placed enormous pressure on organisations, institutions and communities alike.
Yet, the APT has remained resilient and steadfast in its mission to protect people deprived of liberty from torture and ill-treatment.
From Latin America, to Africa, to Europe and to Asia and the Pacific, we have worked closely with national partners to promote oversight, strengthen protective frameworks, reinforce monitoring capacities, and support more inclusive and effective preventive systems.
These local and regional partnerships remain essential to our mission, ensuring that prevention is informed by lived realities, and driven by the people and institutions best placed to deliver lasting change.
Cooperation is also crucial at the global level. When we join forces in the fight against torture, we are stronger and more impactful together.
We continue to collaborate closely with the Convention Against Torture Initiative, international bodies, including the UN Subcommittee for the Prevention of Torture, and our partners in the United Against Torture Consortium.
A number of States have also renewed their commitment to transparency, accountability, and the essential role of independent oversight. We have seen, for example, new ratifications of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture in Bangladesh and Colombia, and the defence of the resolution against torture in the UN General Assembly.
These achievements reflect a shared commitment to advancing dignity and preventing the lifelong harm caused by torture and ill-treatment.
Your support has enabled us not only to deliver, but to adapt and strengthen our contribution in a rapidly evolving landscape.
From all of us at the APT, thank you for your partnership, your dedication, and your belief in the power of prevention.
I wish all of you a joyful end of year with your loved ones.
Thank you.
Nicole Hogg
APT Secretary General
