A/HRC/43/24
Subcommittee experts and OHCHR field officers experienced in supporting the
establishment of or assisting in strengthening national preventive mechanisms on the
ground. In 2019, the guide was published in Spanish and Russian to respond to the request
from the field for guidance in those languages. Other language versions and the
development of a training guide are envisaged in 2020.
III. Financial situation of the Special Fund
12.
The Special Fund is the only functional fund established by an international human
rights treaty. Since its creation in 2012, the Fund has supported a total of 72 projects for a
total amount of $1,850,780 in 22 States across four regions.
13.
The activities of the Fund should be commensurate with the growth of the activities
of the Subcommittee, which has resulted in an expanding number of States eligible for the
Fund: in 2015 there were 13, in 2019 there are 36 overall. That trend is expected to
continue while countries are encouraged to ratify the Optional Protocol and to agree to the
publication of the Subcommittee’s visit reports.
14.
The minimum required on an annual basis to guarantee its functioning is some
$500,000, which would enable the Fund to support an average of 10–20 projects per year,
with a reasonable level of funding per project (for example, $25,000–$30,000). The
increased number of donors and contributions (see the table below) attests to the
importance that States give to torture prevention. However, sustainable support and
contributions are necessary to launch and implement further calls for applications.
Contributions to the Special Fund (1 January–31 December 2019)
Donor
Amount (United States dollars)
Date of receipt
France
$57 077
21 June 2019
Germany
$85 227
15 July 2019
Norway
$110 210
18 November 2019
Total contributions received
$252 514
Pledges to the Special Fund (1 January–31 December 2019)
Donor
Czechia
Spain
Total pledges received
Amount (United States dollars)
Date of receipt
$8 703
13 November 2019
$32 822
31 October 2019
$41 525
IV. Making a contribution
15.
Contributions to the Special Fund may be accepted from Governments,
intergovernmental or non-governmental organizations, private sector organizations and the
public at large, in accordance with the Financial Regulations and Rules of the United
Nations. Only funds earmarked for the Special Fund established by the Optional Protocol to
the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or
Punishment will be channelled to the Fund.
16.
Contributions to the Special Fund should always be marked “Payee: Special Fund
established by the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture, account CH”.
Payments may be made:
(a)
By bank transfer in United States dollars, to the UNOG General Fund,
account No. 485001802, J.P. Morgan Chase Bank, 270 Park Avenue, 43rd floor, New
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