Bolivia Takes a Decisive Step Against Torture: UATC welcomes the Approval of the Bill by the Human Rights Commission and Calls for Its Adoption by the Chamber of Deputies

The United Against Torture Consortium (UATC) welcomes the approval by the Human Rights Commission of the Chamber of Deputies of the Plurinational State of Bolivia of the draft Comprehensive Law on the Prevention, Investigation, Punishment and Reparation of Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.

This decision marks an important legislative milestone and reflects the sustained efforts of civil society organisations, survivors, Bolivia's national preventive mechanism and human rights experts and protection mechanisms that have long advocated for the strengthening of Bolivia's legal framework in line with international standards on the prohibition and prevention of torture and comprehensive reparation for survivors.

The UATC particularly recognises the leadership demonstrated by the Human Rights Commission in advancing this initiative. The proposed legislation responds to longstanding recommendations issued by international human rights mechanisms. In particular, the United Nations Committee against Torture (CAT) has repeatedly called on Bolivia to strengthen its legal and institutional framework to ensure the effective prevention of torture, the prompt and impartial investigation of allegations, the prosecution and punishment of perpetrators, and access to comprehensive reparation for victims. The approval of this bill represents a significant step toward fulfilling these international obligations and strengthening safeguards against one of the gravest human rights violations.

The absolute prohibition of torture is a peremptory norm of international law and requires States to adopt robust legal and institutional measures aimed at prevention, accountability, and reparation. The approval of this bill by the Human Rights Commission represents a historic opportunity to strengthen the protection of human dignity and reinforce the rule of law in Bolivia.

UATC respectfully calls on the Plenary of the Chamber of Deputies to prioritise the consideration of this legislation and proceed with its prompt adoption. Having already been approved by the Senate and now endorsed by the Human Rights Commission, the bill has reached one of the final stages of a legislative process that has been years in the making.

The swift adoption of this law would represent a major step forward in Bolivia's efforts to comply with its international human rights obligations, strengthen guarantees of non-repetition, and place victims and survivors at the centre of the institutional response to torture.

UATC reiterates its recognition of the important work carried out by Bolivian civil society organisations, particularly those that have supported victims and advocated for this legislative reform over many years. We express our hope that this process will conclude successfully with the final adoption of a comprehensive anti-torture law that reflects Bolivia's commitment to human dignity, justice, and reparation.

About the Consortium

The United Against Torture Consortium pools the strengths and expertise of six leading anti-torture organisations (IRCT, OMCT, FIACAT, APT, Omega Research Foundation and REDRESS) in partnership with over 400 civil society organisations and partners in more than 120 countries, to strengthen and expand the anti-torture movement. The European Union funds this project.

The present statement was issued by IRCT, OMCT, FIACAT, APT, Omega Research Foundation and REDRESS.