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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.


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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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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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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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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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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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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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'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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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