Despite the global prohibition against torture, it still “permeates many aspects of our lives”, impacting police conduct, conflict and even climate response, the newly appointed UN expert monitoring violations worldwide has said. 

Dr. Alice Jill Edwards, UN Special Rapporteur on Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, has presented her first interim report to the General Assembly in New York. 

She is the seventh person to hold the mandate, and the first woman in nearly four decades.  

UN News’s Heyi Zou spoke to Ms. Edwards, who began by explaining her “breakthrough” appointment.