Swiss OSCE chairpersonship presents roadmap for the prevention and eradication of torture
Bern, 06.10.2026 — In its role as chair of the OSCE for 2026, Switzerland today is presenting a roadmap at the Warsaw Human Dimension Conference, setting out how torture can be prevented more effectively, how ill-treatment can be consistently prosecuted, and how victims can be better protected.
All 57 OSCE participating states have repeatedly reaffirmed their commitment to the absolute prohibition of torture. Nevertheless, cases of torture and other forms of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment continue to be documented, even within the OSCE area.
The roadmap drawn up by Switzerland as part of its 2026 term as chair of the OSCE addresses this gap between commitment and implementation. It will be presented today at the Warsaw Human Dimension Conference. The roadmap does not create new norms, but rather brings together international standards, legal obligations, political commitments and best practice in an action-oriented reference document.
It comprises 18 action points, ranging from arrest and detention through to interrogations, the investigation of allegations of torture and redress for those affected. These include the following:
- unrestricted compliance with the absolute prohibition of torture;
- the abolition of secret and incommunicado detention;
- strengthening the rights of detained persons;
- the introduction of non-coercive interrogation methods;
- the effective investigation of allegations of torture and combating impunity;
- strengthening independent monitoring mechanisms for detention centres;
- improving redress and rehabilitation for victims and survivors.
Through this roadmap, Switzerland aims to demonstrate how torture and other forms of ill-treatment can be prevented, those responsible held to account, and victims better supported.
The Swiss OSCE chairpersonship
Strengthening democracy, the rule of law and human rights is one of the priorities of the Swiss OSCE chairpersonship in 2026. As part of this priority, Switzerland is also committed to more effective prevention of torture – an issue that has long been a key focus of Swiss human rights diplomacy. With this roadmap, the Swiss OSCE chairpersonship in 2026 is now focusing on the practical implementation of existing commitments in this area.
Warsaw Human Dimension Conference
The Warsaw Human Dimension Conference is the venue for the annual review of the implementation of existing OSCE commitments in the fields of human rights, democracy and the rule of law. It also provides civil society from across the OSCE area with an important platform for dialogue with the participating states and OSCE institutions.
Links:
Roadmap on the Prevention and Eradication of Torture
Switzerland's 2026 OSCE chairpersonship
News platform on Switzerland's OSCE chairpersonship