Adopted in 1984, the Convention Against Torture stands as a testament to humanity’s united front against the scourge of torture. Serving as the bedrock of the anti-torture movement, it symbolises our collective resolve to eradicate torture and uphold human dignity.
Over the past four decades, we have achieved significant milestones in raising awareness, implementing preventive measures, supporting victims, and holding perpetrators accountable. Yet the fight against torture is far from over, marked by enduring challenges such as impunity, reparation gaps, and evolving forms of torture.
Ending torture demands a collective effort from governments, civil society organizations, human rights defenders, and individuals globally. As we mark the 40th anniversary of the Convention Against Torture, it is vital to redouble our efforts to eradicate torture in all its forms across the globe.
To celebrate this anniversary, the United Against Torture Consortium (UATC) launched a multimedia initiative, ‘Voices for Human Dignity’, which highlights the stories and views of torture experts, survivors, and human rights defenders, underlining the resilience, hard work, and commitment of those directly affected by torture and those working tirelessly to prevent it in different parts of the world.
All the products related to this multimedia initiative can be found below.
Reflecting on 40 years of the Convention against torture and way forward – What does it mean to them?
– “Torture destroys communities” -Interview with Dr Alice Edwards, UN Special Rapporteur on Torture.
– Bahrain: “The scar on my forehead is a painful reminder of torture” – Interview with Sayed Alwadaei, a torture survivor and human rights activist from Bahrain.
– “The last 40 years have seen remarkable progress in the fight against torture” – Interview with Juan Méndez, former Special Rapporteur on Torture.
– The Eradication of Torture: The Moral Conscience of Humanity – Interview with Assohou Wanga Wenceslas, Ivorian Activist and former president of ACAT Côte d’Ivoire.
– “A new dawn for Bangladesh” – Interview with Saira Rahman Khan, Secretary of Odhikar, and human rights defender from Bangladesh.
– “Torture is the ultimate abuse of state power over its citizens” – Interview with EU Special Representative Olof Skoog
What does the Convention entail?
Gain deeper insight into the Convention Against Torture by hearing directly from survivors as we explore some of its key articles together:
Article 1
– Regime of abuse: Police torture in Putin’s Russia – testimony of Artem Ponomarchuk, torture survivor from Russia.
Article 10
– Voices for Human Dignity: Uganda survivor’s journey of resilience – testimony of Arach Santa Mulare, torture survivor from Uganda.
Article 11
– Palestine: “After Four Years, I Can Face My Interrogator Without Fear.” – testimony of Suha Jabara, torture survivor from Palestine.
Article 12
– In the Philippines, Telling the Truth is a Challenge – testimony of Doctor Benito Molino, forensic expert from the Philippines.
Article 13
– “I Was More Scared When I Got Released” – testimonies of Resty Mark Prado and Florence Saucelo, torture survivors from the Philippines.
Article 14
– “When You Share Your Story, That’s When the Healing Begins” – testimony of Shyhrete Tahiri-Sylejmani, torture survivor from Kosovo.
To learn more about the Consortium and what we do, click here.
This content was produced by the United Against Torture Consortium (OMCT, Omega, REDRESS, FIACAT, IRCT, and APT), funded by the EU. The contents are the sole responsibility of UATC and do not necessarily reflect the position of the EU.
