J. Joint statement on the occasion of the United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture 13. A joint statement with the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture; the Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment; the Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes and consequences; and the Board of Trustees of the United Nations Voluntary Fund for the Victims of Torture was adopted to be issued on 26 June 2008, the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture (see annex VIII). K. Participation of non-governmental organizations 14. The Committee has long recognized the work of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and met with them in private, with interpretation, on the afternoon immediately before the consideration of each State party report under article 19 of the Convention. The Committee considers that this new practice, which has replaced the informal lunchtime briefings that did not have interpretation, is more useful, as all members are able to participate to the discussion. The Committee expresses its appreciation to the NGOs, for their participation in these meetings and is particularly appreciative of the attendance of national NGOs, which provide immediate and direct information. L. Participation of national human rights institutions 15. Similarly, the Committee has since 2005 met with the national human rights institutions (NHRIs) as well as other institutions both academic and of civil society where these exist, of the countries it has considered. Meetings with each NHRI which attends take place, in private, usually on the day before consideration of the State party report. 16. The Committee is extremely grateful for the information it receives from these institutions, and looks forward to continuing to benefit from the information it derives from these bodies, which has enhanced its understanding of the information before the Committee. 3