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Torture

 

 

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TORTURE

A country-by-country compilation of links to published articles concerning torture – sanctioned & practiced.  A student writing a term paper related to Torture could use a search engine to compile a similar list by himself - but to do that, he would have to work his way through tens of thousands of links that are not helpful.

What are the 10 most prevalent forms of torture and why?

In 2000, human rights group Amnesty International and African social sciences organization CODESRIA published a handbook for watchdog groups monitoring prisons where torture is suspected. The guide offers insight into just what qualifies as cruel, inhuman and degrading (CID) treatment.

The book also discusses sight into just what qualifies as cruel, inhuman and degrading (CID) treatment. the most common forms of torture among them beatings, electric shocks, hanging a person by the limbs, mock executions and forms of sexual assault, especially rape.

In addition to Amnesty International's list, we'll also look at five common forms of torture cited by the Boston Center for Refugee Health and Human Rights, including burns, penetrating injuries, asphyxiation, forced human experimentation and traumatic removal of tissue and appendages.

World Organisation Against Torture

Created in 1985, the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT) is today the main coalition of international non-governmental organisations (NGO) fighting against torture, summary executions, enforced disappearances and all other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment. With 311 affiliated organisations in its SOS-Torture Network and many tens of thousands correspondents in every country, OMCT is the most important network of non-governmental organisations working for the protection and the promotion of human rights in the world.

Ease the suffering of survivors

DIGNITY - Danish Institute Against Torture is a self-governing institution independent of party politics. In Denmark, DIGNITY treats refugees who have survived torture and it undertakes research in torture and torture sequelae. By doing so, DIGNITY has gained specialised knowledge and experience on the basis of which the interventions of DIGNITY's partners in the South are developed and targeted.

DIGNITY exposes and documents torture on a health professional basis. The clinical diagnoses and treatment methods are based on systematic examination of the torture survivors and research into torture and organised violence. The experiences are used in DIGNITY's education and advocacy in order to contribute to the global effort to abolish torture.

Human Rights Watch - Torture

MISSION STATEMENT -- Human Rights Watch is dedicated to protecting the human rights of people around the world. We stand with victims and activists to prevent discrimination, to uphold political freedom, to protect people from inhumane conduct in wartime, and to bring offenders to justice. We investigate and expose human rights violations and hold abusers accountable. We challenge governments and those who hold power to end abusive practices and respect international human rights law. We enlist the public and the international community to support the cause of human rights for all.

Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment

The United Nations Commission on Human Rights, in resolution 1985/33, decided to appoint an expert, a special rapporteur, to examine questions relevant to torture. The mandate was extended for 3 years by Human Rights Council resolution 8/8 in June 2008.

It covers all countries, irrespective of whether a State has ratified the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.

The mandate comprises three main activities:

1) transmitting urgent appeals to States with regard to individuals reported to be at risk of torture, as well as communications on past alleged cases of torture;

2) undertaking fact-finding country visits; and

3) submitting annual reports on activities, the mandate and methods of work to the Human Rights Council and the General Assembly.

Unlike the complaints mechanisms of the human rights treaty monitoring bodies, the Special Rapporteur does not require the exhaustion of domestic remedies to act. When the facts in question come within the scope of more than one mandate established by the Commission, the Special Rapporteur may decide to approach other thematic mechanisms and country rapporteurs with a view to sending joint communications or seeking joint missions.