Description
Book SynopsisIn the past three decades, international and regional human rights bodies have developed an ever-lengthening list of measures that states are required to adopt in order to prevent torture. But do any of these mechanisms actually work? This study is the first systematic analysis of the effectiveness of torture prevention. Primary research was conducted in 16 countries, looking at their experience of torture and prevention mechanisms over a 30-year period. Data was analysed using a combination of quantitative and qualitative techniques. Prevention measures do work, although some are much more effective than others. Most important of all are the safeguards that should be applied in the first hours and days after a person is taken into custody. Notification of family and access to an independent lawyer and doctor have a significant impact in reducing torture. The investigation and prosecution of torturers and the creation of independent monitoring bodies are also important in reducing torture. An important caveat to the conclusion that prevention works is that is actual practice in police stations and detention centres that matters – not treaties ratified or laws on the statute book.
Trade ReviewReviews 'This book is important because it is the first evidence-based feedback on the many efforts of national and international actors in the field of torture prevention. The findings of the research can provide concrete and actionable material for those who work in the field of torture prevention, enabling them to focus on and invest in what works rather than only going along with a formatted response – which sadly is often the norm.
Olivier Chow,
International Review of the Red CrossTable of ContentsList of Tables vii
List of Figures ix
Forward xi
Acknowledgements xv
Contributors xix
1. Introduction Richard Carver and Lisa Handley 1
Overview and Findings
2. Studying Torture Prevention Richard Carver and Lisa Handley 11
3. Identifying What Preventative Mechanisms Work Richard Carver
and Lisa Handley 45
Prevention Sustained
4. United Kingdom Richard Carver 105
5. Chile Karinna Fernández Neira and Par Engstrom 143
Prevention Stalled
6. Hungary Borbála Ivány, András Kádár, and András Nemes 183
7. Indonesia Budi Hernawan and Chris Sidoti 231
8. Israel Irit Ballas 273
9. Peru Nataly Herrera and Tom Pegram 299
10. South Africa Gwénaëlle Dereymaeker and Lukas Muntingh 335
Prevention Expected
11. Georgia Bakar Jikia and Moris Shalikashvili 395
12. Tunisia Fatma Raâch Regaya 419
13. Turkey Kerem Altiparmak, Richard Carver and Lisa Handley 439
Prevention Denied
14. Ethiopia Yonas Mebrahtu and Sam Ponniah 471
15. India Jinee Lokaneeta and Amar Jesani 501
16. Kyrgyzstan Aida Baijumanova, Moritz Birk and Lira Ismailova 549
17. The Philippines Ricardo Sunga III 591
Conclusion and Future Strategies
18. Conclusion Richard Carver and Lisa Handley 627
Bibliography 635
Index 651
