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Omega's publications provide researchers, policy makers and the media with information, data and policy recommendations which are independent and rigorously researched using open sources.
We work with an international network of partners and associates to disseminate our findings.
Omega's research, policy expertise and images have been used in a wide variety of reports, policy briefings and campaign materials by national, regional and international organisations including Amnesty International, the UN and the European Commission.
Omega's publications - and a selection of publications we have contributed to - can be can be found below for download. If you download a resource, please link to it from your website or share with your professional network.
Please contact us (info@omegaresearchfoundation.org) if you have any questions about our resources.
 Brazil: Technical Memorandum on the Regulation of the Use of Force in the Prison and Socioeducational Systems Human rights-based analysis of existing use of force protocols. Available in Portuguese.
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 The manufacture, trade and regulation of law enforcement and security equipment in Brazil New report examining the manufacture, trade, and use of law enforcement weapons and equipment in Brazil. Available in English and Portuguese.
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 New investigation: Exposing global misuse of police batons Amnesty International and the Omega Research Foundation today called on governments to support a UN-led process to regulate the trade in law enforcement equipment.
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 UPR - Thailand Omega's Submission to the third cycle of the Universal Periodic Review of Thailand
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 Ending the Torture Trade: The path to global controls on the 'tools of torture' Omega-Amnesty report released ahead of ahead of a high-level UN meeting on the ‘torture trade’
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 Review of EU Anti-Torture Regulation and its implementation Findings and recommendations from Omega's review of the EU Anti-Torture Regulation
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 Lowering the risk - Curtailing the use of chemical irritants during the COVID-19 pandemic Position paper setting out the increased risk of using chemical irritants during the pandemic.
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 Handbook on Handcuffs and Other Instruments of Restraint in Court Hearings This handbook aims to assist the judiciary limit the use of instruments of restraint to exceptional circumstances.
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 Omega submission on FOAA for women and girls Submission in response to Call for inputs from the mandate of the Special Rapporteur for his report to be presented at the 75th session of the General Assembly on Women and Girls and FoAA.
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 Response to the Working Group on Mercenaries call for submissions The evolving forms, trends and manifestations of mercenaries and mercenary-related activities
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 Submission to OHCHR on the Use of Less Lethal Weapons during Assemblies Examines the the human rights impact of the use of LLW and ammunition in the context of assemblies
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 Factsheet on Tools of Torture in Indonesian Prisons This factsheet provides an overview of the law enforcement weapons and equipment used in Indonesia, the issues surrounding their use, international standards, and key information to note when documenting weapons or equipment.
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 Private military and security companies: training and equipment Submission to the UN IGWG on private military and security companies
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 A review of less lethal weapons manufacturers, trade and misuse A paper examining the human rights and trade control implication of less lethal weapons
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 Contemporary development, promotion and use of remote control chemical irritant delivery mechanisms: Paper examining the challenges of effective state control of the trade in chemical irritants
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 Action needed now on “remote control” tear gas delivery systems Omega urges the Chemical Weapons Convention States Parties to address development, proliferation and potential misuse of “wide area” and “remote control” riot control agent (RCA) delivery systems
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 Monitoring Weapons and Restraints in Places of Detention: A Practical Guide. A Practical Guide and Pocket Book for Detention Monitors, Torture Prevention Bodies and other interested parties to assist in monitoring weapons and restraints in places of detention.
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 Preventing the Trade in Tools of Torture and Execution Visualisation setting out how trade controls form an important element in the fight against torture and can help states comply with human rights obligations, including the Nelson Mandela Rules
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 Combating Torture: The Need for Comprehensive Regulation of Law Enforcement Equipment Joint Omega / Amnesty International briefing launched at the first Ministerial meeting of the global Alliance for Torture-Free Trade at UN HQ in New York in September 2018
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 List of Issues for South Africa This submission to the United Nations’ Committee against Torture (CAT) is intended to inform the preparation of the CAT List of Issues (LOIs) for South Africa prior to its 67th Session.
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 Manufacture, trade and use of 'tools of torture' in the Council of Europe, Revised June 2018 Revised Omega report seeking to encourage and inform a process undertaken by the Council of Europe to develop rules targeting the trade in security equipment that could be used to facilitate torture
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 Omega submission to the Special Rapporteur on Torture Submission for Thematic Report on the 70th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights:Reaffirming and Strengthening the Prohibition of Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment
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 Manufacture, trade and use of ‘tools of torture’ in the Council of Europe Report seeking to inform the process undertaken by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe to develop rules targeting the trade in security equipment that could be used to facilitate torture.
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 Brazil: Technical Note on Bill 6433 A joint technical note by the Omega Research Foundation and Justiça Global, analysing Bill 6433 from a human rights perspective. Bill 6433 seeks to authorise the use of electric shock weapons against juveniles deprived of their liberty in Brazil.
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 Joint Briefing: Tackling the Trade in Tools of Torture and Execution Technologies Joint briefing paper by Omega and Amnesty International on equipment currently being manufactured, promoted, exported and misused that urgently needs to be banned or more robustly regulated.
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 Briefing Paper: Use of Tools of Torture in OSCE participating States Exploratory investigation conducted by the Omega Research Foundation into the trade in and use of law enforcement equipment used for torture and other ill-treatment in OSCE participating States across several regions.
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 China North Industries Corporation - Working Paper 2. April 2017. Following on from our previous Working Paper with the International Peace Information Service (October 2014) this paper focuses our attention upon one Member Unit of China North Industries Group Corporate, namely China North Industries Corporation (Norinco).
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 UN: Time to rein in the global trade in tools of torture Panel event organised by Omega and Amnesty International at the Human Rights Council on 3rd March 2017 urging governments to close loopholes in international trade law that allow the trade in equipment used to torture detainees. The original presentations are included.
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 Ending the Trade in Tools of Torture: Five Key Principles Ending the trade in tools of torture
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 Impact of Arms Transfers on Human Rights Response to OHCHR questionnaire to inform the report on the impact of arms transfers on human rights
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 Time to end police misuse of tear gas. November 2016. Omega urges the Chemical Weapons Convention States Parties to address misuse of riot control agents in law enforcement
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 Combating torture and other ill-treatment: A manual for action. November 2016 This manual describes in detail the prohibition of torture and other ill-treatment in international law, and outlines the safeguards provided by international law and standards against torture and other ill-treatment.
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 EU: Time to eradicate the torture trade Press release urging the European Parliament to vote in favour of strengthening the European Union’s regulation combatting the trade in equipment that can be used to torture, ill-treat or execute people.
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 Tools of Torture and Repression in South America: Use, manufacture and trade. July 2016 Available in English, Spanish and Portuguese. Countries researched: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay and Venezuela.
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 Compliance through pain Electric shock equipment in South African prisons. A joint briefing by Omega and the Institute for Security Studies (ISS, South Africa). Examining the misuse of electric shock equipment and recommending the prohibition of body worn electric shock devices.
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 Manufacturing torture? South Africa’s trade in electric shock equipment. A joint report by Omega and the Institute for Security Studies (ISS,South Africa). Examining the manufacture and trade of electric shock equipment from South Africa and options for stronger export controls.
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 Tools of torture? Use of electric shock equipment among African police. A joint briefing by Omega and the Institute for Security Studies (ISS, South Africa). Highlighting misuse of electric shock equipment by law enforcement officials, and policy options to prohibit and prevent torture.
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 Why the EU Should Ban the Commercial Marketing of Inhumane Policing and Prison Equipment This report details how legal loopholes have allowed potential tools of torture to be advertised and sometimes displayed at trade fairs within the EU
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 Use of Tear Gas on Peaceful Protesters. February 2016. The report offers a brief summary analysis of Human Rights investigations into the misuse of tear gas on peaceful and civilian protesters member states of the Council of Europe.
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 Tear Gassing by Remote Control. December 2015. This report, concerned with breaches of the CWC, was produced jointly by Bradford Non-Lethal Weapons Research Project and Omega for the Remote Control Project.
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 Chinese riot control agent means of delivery. November 2015. This paper focuses on the production and promotion by Chinese companies of a range of riot control agents, and how their delivery risks breaching international law.
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 The Deployment of Law-enforcement Equipment. September 2015. Collaborative study with SIPRI and the Open Society Foundations, into the manufacture, trade and use of prison and policing equipment and weapons in Central Asia.
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 Guidelines for Implementation of UNBPUFF. August 2015. An Amnesty International (Dutch Section) report on guidelines for implementation of the UN Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials.
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 Europe's Trade in Execution and Torture Technology. May 2015. A joint Amnesty-Omega report highlighting the need for strengthened controls over the trade in torture and execution technologies by the European Union
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 Body-Worn Electric Shock Equipment. May 2015. Poster submitted to the 8th European Symposium on Non-Lethal Weapons, Ettlingen, Germany. The poster addresses concerns about their use, providing recommendations to states.
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 Submission to the UN Committee Against Torture. April/May 2015. Submission in advance of the 54th Session, detailing equipment and practices "of concern" in Bahrain, China, Hong Kong, Macau, and New Zealand.
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 The Human Rights Impact of Law Enforcement Equipment. April 2015. Joint Amnesty-Omega report detailing risks associated with less lethal weapons and other law enforcement equipment used in policing and corrections work.
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 Submission Concerning LEAs. February 2015. This submission by Omega Research Foundation responds to an Executive Order (January, 2015) regarding Federal Support for Local Law Enforcement Equipment Acquisition.
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 Use of Police Equipment in Kenya. January 2015. This table profiles law enforcement equipment used by police in the Lang’ata Primary School. Police fired tear gas at protesters following a decision to sell a school playground.
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 Glossary of Torture equipment December 2014 A glossary of terms used to refer to different law enforcement equipment
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 Floating Armouries: Implications and Risks. December 2014. Examining floating armouries off the Gulf of Aden, the report concludes that there is a worrying lack of regulation regarding the operation and use of floating armouries.
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 China North Industries Group Corporate (CNGC). October 2014. This working paper attempts to unpick the structure of China North Industries Group Corporation (CNGC), one of China’s largest state-owned companies.
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 China's Trade in Tools of Torture and Repression. September 2014. This report documents China’s manufacture of and trade in law enforcement equipment, and considers some examples of how this equipment is used in China and abroad.
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 Regulation of agent delivery mechanisms under the CWC. April 2013. "Regulation of “wide area” riot control agent delivery mechanisms under the CWC" is part of an on-going project with Bradford Non-Lethal Weapons Research Project.
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 The need to include ammunition in the ATT. March 2013. This joint PRIO-Omega, argues that ammunition offers specific opportunities to meet the Treaty's principles, goals and objectives, particularly in terms of preventing atrocities.
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 Standards for appropriate selection and use. June 2012. Slide presentation on standards for appropriate selection and use of less lethal technologies, giving an overview of the “use of force” project and its focus.
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 No More Delays: Putting an end to the EU trade in “tools of torture”. June 2012. Joint report on the efficacy and implementation of Council Regulation (EC) which was presented to the Committee on Common Rules for Exports of Products.
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 Financial Statements for the year ended 31st March 2012 Omega Research Foundation Limited Financial Statements for the year ended 31st March 2012. Company registered number 5224240. Charity Number 1105918. Objectives and Activities included.
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 Christof Heyns on the use of lethal force during arrest. November 2011. Briefing on the forthcoming (2011) report from the Special Rapporteur of the Human Rights Council on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions into the use of lethal force during arrest.
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 Submission to the UN Universal Periodic Review on the UPR. October 2011. Submission presented by Omega Research Foundation to the Periodic Review 12th Session of the Working Group concerning United Republic of Tanzania's obligations under Sections B, C and D.
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 Police use of force and less lethal weaponry. October 2011. Omega Research Foundation briefing for the Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, as part of a European Commission funded 'use of force' project.
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 Arms for Internal Security: Will they be covered by an Arms Trade Treaty? June 2011. An Amnesty International report looking at proposals to extend the scope of the Arms Trade Treaty.
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 Less Lethal Systems and the Appropriate use of Force. March 2011. The paper argues that the use of less lethal systems, in comparison with lethal weapons, has not been well regulated and monitored, concluding with proposals.
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 Use of less/non lethal items by correctional officials. December 2010. Submission on the Correctional Matters Amendment Bill [B41-2101] concerning Electro-Shock Devices, Teargas, Batons, Leg-Cuffs and Belly-Chains.
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 Police and Security Equipment in South Africa. June 2010. World Cup Special Issue guide for journalists and researchers to aid in the identification of security and policing equipment used by South African police forces.
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 EU ban on the trade in 'tools of torture'. March 2010. Amnesty-Omega techincal report seeking to facilitate and inform an EU-led process currently assessing the implementation and effectiveness of EU Regulation 1236/2005.
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 Guinea: "You Did Not Want the Military, So Now We are Going To Teach You a Lesson, February 2010 The events of 28 September 2009 and their aftermath
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 Dangerous Ambiguities. October 2009. Regulation of Riot Control Agents and Incapacitants Under the Chemical Weapons Convention
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 The Arms trade Treaty and Military Equipment: The Case for A Comprhensive Scope. July 2009 A review of the proposed scope of the Arms Trade Treaty as of July 2009.
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 "Less than Lethal"? The Use of Stun Weapons in US Law Enforcement. December 2008 Amnesty International report focusing on the US' use and misuse of electroshock equipment (AI Index: AMR 51/010/2008).
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 Blood at the Crossroads. September 2008 An Amnesty International report making the case for a global arms trade treaty. AI Index: ACT 30/015/2008
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 A visual guide to policing and security equipment in China. August 2008. 2008 Beijing Olympics special issue providing visual reference guide for journalist and researchers to help identify security and police equipment supplied to China.
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 Submission in Response to BIS Request for Public Comments on Crime Control License Requirements in EAR. June 2008 A joint submission by Omega & Amnesty USA.
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 Effective laws to control arms in Ireland. Sept 2007. "Controlling a Deadly Trade" provides recommendations for effective laws in Ireland, arguing that current controls lack transparency and accountability, particularly in terms of "dual-use" goods.
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 Indian Helicopters for Myanmar: Making a Mockery of Embargoes? July 2007. A joint report by European NGOs concerned with the sale of Indian helicopters which contain components made in the EU being sold to Myanmar.
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 Controlling the supply of "tools of torture". June 2007. This article argues that China not only routinely uses torture equipment, but is also a key exporter of such equipment to other countries. It provides recommendations for domestic and regional controls.
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 Ballantyne and Muntingh on Torture. May 2007. Two CSPRI issues question arguments that torture can be justified under certain circumstances. It gives examples of where, inconsistent with international law, harm is unjust.
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 Globalised trade needs global controls. Oct 2006. Control Arms argues that changing patterns of ownership and production makes national regulations insufficient in preventing arms from reaching the wrong hands.
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 Sustaining conflict and human rights abuses. June 2006. Amnesty report providing evidence of China's transfers of military, security and police equipment which have been used persistently and systematically for violations.
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 Japan's Hidden Arms Trade. March 2005. This paper questions the extent to which Japan's long-held arms export ban (now lifted) has been adhered to, highlighting inconsistencies and loopholes. It argues for more transparency.
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 Claws of the Celtic Tiger: Irish Manufacture of Military & Security Equipment and Dual Use Components Published by Amnesty International's Irish Section as an appendix to the "Undermining Global Security" report.
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 Undermining Global Security: The European Union's Arms Exports. February 2004 An Amnesty International report analysing the European Union's arms exports (AI Index: ACT 30/003/2004).
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 The Pain Merchants. December 2003. This report shows why the manufacture, use and transfer of security and police technologies needs to be strictly regulated by governments using common criteria.
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 Proposed alternatives to the baton round in Northern Ireland. March 2003. Omega research on behalf of The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission concerning potential breaches of human rights related to the use of baton rounds.
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 Stopping the Torture Trade. January 2001. Amnesty report examining the trade in tools of torture as well as the growing trade in so-called "non-lethal" weapons, focusing on restraints, chemicals, shocking weapons, and torture skills.
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 An appraisal of technologies for political control. January 1998. "An assessment of crowd control technology options for the European Union” grew out of a 1997 Science and Technology Options Assessment report in 1997.
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