Human Rights Council President’s Statement 6/PRST/2. The twentieth anniversary of the entry into force of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment At the 21st meeting, on 28 September 2007, the President of the Council made a statement reading as follows: 1. The Human Rights Council notes with deep appreciation that the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment has been in force since 26 June 1987 as a central instrument in global efforts to eradicate torture. 2. The Human Rights Council warmly welcomes the work of the Committee against Torture for its impressive contribution to combat torture worldwide. 3. The Human Rights Council urges all States parties to the Convention to comply strictly with their obligations under the Convention. 4. The Human Rights Council urges all States that have not yet done so to become parties to the Convention and to give early consideration to signing and ratifying its Optional Protocol. 5. The Human Rights Council invites all States parties to the Convention that have not yet done so to make the declarations provided for in articles 21 and 22 concerning inter-State and individual communications. 6. The Human Rights Council invites all States parties to the Convention that have not yet done so to notify the Secretary-General of their acceptance of the amendments to articles 17 and 18 as soon as possible in order to enhance the efficiency of the Committee against Torture.