Human Rights Education Associates

Safeguards against Torture

29 January-11 March 2014 (E06414) | Closed
Instructor: Andrea Huber

This certificate course introduces safeguards against torture and ill-treatment and the corresponding state obligations to protect, investigate, prosecute, prevent and redress abuse. It includes a special session on gender issues.

Alongside slavery and genocide, the international community has recognised torture and ill-treatment as impermissible at all times and in all circumstances. Its prohibition is absolute in customary law, binding on all states irrespective of whether they are parties to international treaties codifying the prohibition.

Numerous conventions have been adopted at regional and international levels to respond to and prevent the practice of torture and ill-treatment. Courts and committees have further refined regional and international standards.

Yet the practice of torture and ill-treatment is hard to eradicate. Across the globe, excessive use of force by law enforcement officials, abusive interrogation techniques and conditions in detention amounting to torture and ill-treatment remain widespread. However, human rights law has come a long way to improve accountability through detailed safeguards, preventive mechanisms and specialised institutions, which respond to factors contributing to torture and aim to establish accountability.