Human Rights Council President’s Statement 1/PRST/1. Entry into force of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment At the first session of the Human Rights Council, held from 19 to 30 June 2006, in connection with the Council’s consideration of the item entitled “Implementation of General Assembly resolution 60/251 of 15 March 2006 entitled ‘Human Rights Council’”, the President of the Council made a statement which: 1. Welcomed the entry into force, on 22 June 2006, of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, following ratification by twenty States; 2. Reiterated General Assembly resolution 60/148 of 16 December 2005, which, inter alia, “calls upon States parties to give early consideration to signing and ratifying the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, which provides further measures for use in the fight against and prevention of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment”; 3. Requested the Secretary-General to ensure, within the overall budgetary framework of the United Nations, the provision of adequate staff and facilities for the bodies and mechanisms involved in combating torture and assisting victims of torture commensurate with the strong support expressed by Member States for combating torture and assisting victims of torture. ---