"Torture is the ultimate abuse of state power over its citizens": Interview with EU Special Representative Olof Skoog

Olof Skoog, EU Special Representative, shares his insights on the global fight against torture, human rights dialogues, torture-free trade, and the 40th anniversary of the Convention Against Torture.

Since taking office as the EU Special Representative, what have been your priorities regarding human rights and particularly the fight against torture?

My job is to promote human rights around the world and see how the European Union can do that in the best way possible. It's a very complicated situation around the world right now, so we have to prioritize. I feel that I have to do that. I try to see where we have leverage. We conduct many human rights dialogues around the world, and I use those interactions with various states to make sure that we hold each other to account on human rights. Torture becomes central to that conversation because, in many ways, it is the ultimate abuse of the state to its individual citizens. There are other ways of abuse, but torture has a specific reason, and it's about abuse. There is no legal protection for any state that tries to use repressive measures against individuals in this way.

Some countries still have the death penalty, for instance, and they will say that it's part of their law. We don't agree with that, but they can claim there is a legal basis for it. No one can say they have a legal basis for conducting or allowing torture to happen.

As the Convention Against Torture celebrates its 40th anniversary, what do you believe are its most significant achievements?

I think it's an amazing achievement because of the number of countries that have ratified it—174 out of the 193 members of the UN. With that number, you have already established an international norm. It is customary law. Even if countries have not ratified the convention, they are still bound by it. That is extremely helpful for the global eradication of torture.

It has also led to improved legislation in countries that previously lacked it. There are new principles and protocols being elaborated, including the Mandela Rules.

There is a soft practice that can be shared among countries that want to improve their record and quickly move away from this bad practice. It has been a remarkable achievement. Unfortunately, we cannot say that we have reached zero tolerance for torture globally. Without that convention, we would be nowhere close to where we are today.

Why is it crucial to continue promoting and defending the convention today? What are the biggest challenges the world currently faces in promoting the absolute prohibition of torture?

Unfortunately, those of us who work actively on human rights see that in the world today, there is a lot of pushback—not just in terms of violations, including torture, but also in general. There is a trend of authoritarian rule coming back. That very often questions the rights people have.

The whole human rights agenda is a little shaky when leaders question the universality of human rights or promote intolerance and hatred. In addition, there is a strong focus on security. Governments must protect citizens, but in trying to do so, the law enforcement element becomes so strong that the integrity and protection of individuals are violated.

In such an environment, there is a risk of a heavy-handed, repressive approach by security services in some parts of the world, leading to torture or similar treatments. We must remain vigilant.

We also see growing popular protests. Some governments have chosen to confront these with repressive measures instead of engaging peaceful protesters and consulting them on legitimate grievances. That is another area requiring attention, including in European countries.

Human rights are universal. How does the EU ensure that the prohibition of torture is respected universally, even in challenging political and security contexts?

Well, I think the EU’s action on human rights and the universality of them, including the eradication of torture, starts with leading by example. I’m glad to note that all EU countries have accepted the Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture. This means we allow inspections of our detention facilities to ensure that our commitments are not just words but also actions.

We promote ratifications of the Convention and the Optional Protocol. And in much of our external action—whether in trade agreements or budget support to other countries—we include human rights conditionalities. It’s part of my job to ensure that this remains high on the agenda. We use our leverage to ensure countries that trade with us or seek visa facilitation respect human rights.

Additionally, the EU has worked on banning the trade of tools and products inherently used for torture. This initiative for "torture-free trade" has started within the EU, and we aim to bring it to a global level. It’s still a work in progress, but it’s another example of the kinds of initiatives we’re taking.

The EU has always played an important role in defending human rights. How do you ensure awareness and implementation of the EU Guidelines on Torture during your human rights dialogues with states?

This issue is always on the table. I carry a copy of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in my pocket. For example, I’m traveling to Egypt in a few weeks. They’ve committed through their national human rights strategy to eradicating torture. I will hope that this happens.

Sometimes we see countries make commitments, and we must hold them accountable. Engaging with civil society helps us verify whether progress is being made.

Civil society organizations play a crucial role in the fight against torture. How do you collaborate with these actors to support and protect victims?

First of all, I make it a point to meet with them. Just this morning, I returned from the Dublin Platform in Ireland, which brings together human rights defenders from around the world. Many participants shared firsthand experiences, including scars from torture or ill-treatment.

Civil society organizations are critical for gathering facts and reporting on abuses. Their testimonies help us confront governments, repressive regimes, or security forces with the truth. Torture is shameful, and perpetrators often try to deny it. But when we have credible evidence, it becomes much harder for them to deny or hide these abuses.

Finally, how do you see the EU’s role evolving in the fight against torture and in the universal promotion of human rights in the coming years?

The EU is unmatched in its commitment to human rights, including the fight against torture. We are strong financially, politically, and in using leverage to protect human rights.

But we must also adapt to new challenges. While torture is often seen as a physical act, we’re increasingly aware of abuse in the cyber realm. Technologies are creating new arenas where harassment and ill-treatment occur.

We need to remain vigilant and responsive to these evolving threats to ensure human rights protections keep pace with changing realities.

This content was produced by the #UnitedAgainstTorture Consortium (OMCT, IRCT, FIACT, APT, OMEGA and REDRESS), funded by the EU. The contents are the sole responsibility of UATC and do not necessarily reflect the position of the EU.