Tackling Torture: Prevention in Practice

Malcolm D. Evans' book "The Prevention of Torture" explores the issue of torture prevention under international law and challenges assumptions about its root causes. He calls for the necessary measures to enable us to bring about change, based on his ten years of experience as Chair of the UN Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 22 September 2023
Publisher: Bristol University Press

Torture is a grave and complex issue that has plagued societies throughout history. It is a violation of human rights and is universally condemned by international law. Despite these legal prohibitions, torture continues to be used in many parts of the world, often with impunity.

The reasons for torture are varied and complex. Some argue that it is used as a means of extracting information or punishing individuals, while others believe that it is a way of controlling and subjugating populations. Regardless of the motivation, torture is a violation of human rights and is morally repugnant.

The use of torture has serious consequences for both the victims and society as a whole. Victims of torture suffer physical and psychological damage that can last for years, if not for a lifetime. They may experience severe pain, humiliation, and trauma, which can lead to depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. In addition, torture can undermine trust in institutions and lead to a breakdown of social order.

Society as a whole also suffers from the use of torture. It undermines the rule of law and erodes public confidence in institutions. It also creates a culture of impunity, which can lead to further abuses and violations of human rights.

The United Nations (UN) has taken steps to prevent torture and promote human rights. The UN Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT) is the most important international instrument for the prevention of torture. The CAT prohibits the use of torture in all circumstances and sets out the obligations of states to prevent torture and to investigate and prosecute those who are responsible for it.

The UN has also established a number of mechanisms to monitor and report on the use of torture. The UN Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture (SPT) is one of these mechanisms. The SPT is responsible for reviewing the reports of states parties to the CAT and making recommendations to improve their torture prevention policies and practices.

Despite these efforts, torture continues to be used in many parts of the world. This is due in part to a lack of political will and commitment to human rights. In addition, there are a number of factors that contribute to the use of torture, including corruption, weak law enforcement, and a lack of access to justice.

To address the issue of torture, it is essential to strengthen political will and commitment to human rights. This can be achieved through education and awareness-raising, as well as through the implementation of effective laws and policies. It is also essential to strengthen the capacity of law enforcement and judicial institutions to investigate and prosecute those who are responsible for torture.

In addition, it is important to address the root causes of torture, such as poverty, inequality, and political instability. This can be achieved through economic development, social welfare programs, and political reform.

In conclusion, torture is a grave and complex issue that has serious consequences for both the victims and society as a whole. The use of torture is a violation of human rights and is universally condemned by international law. Despite these legal prohibitions, torture continues to be used in many parts of the world, often with impunity. To address this issue, it is essential to strengthen political will and commitment to human rights, to implement effective laws and policies, and to address the root causes of torture. Only by doing so can we hope to create a world that is free from the horrors of torture.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529225693