The application of the death penalty in many parts of the world continues to concern us as persons on death row and executed persons, as well as the members of their families, are, under certain circumstances, also victims of torture. Irrespective of whether the death penalty is considered lawful or not under international law, many issues regarding its application may be contrary to international norms against torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. In itself, the holding of persons on death row for extended periods, often gives rise to cruelty and inhumanity. The failure to notify prisoners and family members until the last moment, if at all, that the death penalty will be carried out, is unacceptable treatment. The act of execution itself is frequently carried out in circumstances that are degrading and fail to respect the inherent dignity of the person, thus breaching international law. Given these many problems, we call on all States that continue to apply the death penalty to consider a moratorium on its use. On this International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, we pay tribute to all governments, civil society organizations and individuals engaged in activities aimed at preventing torture, punishing it and ensuring that all victims obtain redress and have an enforceable right to fair and adequate compensation, including the means for as full rehabilitation as possible. We express our gratitude to all donors to the United Nations Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture and hope that contributions to the Fund will continue to increase, so that more victims of torture and members of their families can receive the assistance they need. We call on all States, in particular those which have been found to be responsible for widespread or systematic practices of torture, to contribute to the Voluntary Fund as part of a universal commitment for the rehabilitation of torture victims.” K. Informal meeting of the Committee with the States parties to the Convention 15. On 15 May 2007, the Committee held an informal meeting with representatives of 43 States parties to the Convention. The Committee and the States parties discussed the following issues: methods of work; targeted reports or lists of issues prior to the submission of periodic reports (see paragraphs 21, 22 and 23); follow-up to articles 19 and 22 of the Convention; compliance by States parties with interim measures; the draft general comment on article 2; the relationship between the Committee against Torture and the Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture; and the possible enlargement of the membership of the Committee against Torture, as well as additional meeting time (i.e. a third session per year) L. Participation of non-governmental organizations and national human rights institutions 16. In 2005, the Committee began to meet with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in private, with interpretation, on the afternoon immediately before the consideration of each State party’s report under article 19 of the Convention. The Committee considers that this new practice, which has replaced the lunchtime briefings that did not have interpretation, is more useful, as all members are able to follow the discussion. The Committee expresses its 4