REDRESS Nederland convenes discussion in the Hague to dispel myths on torture and reaffirm its absolute prohibition

REDRESS Nederland is convening a high-level discussion tomorrow at the Peace Palace in The Hague, ‘Exceptional Measures for Exceptional Times: The Absolute Prohibition of Torture under Threat’, to address and dispel myths on torture.

Despite being prohibited in the strongest terms by international law, torture remains highly prevalent, with cases reported in all regions of the world every year. Participants will discuss some of the key threats that are undermining the absolute prohibition of torture in the present day.

These threats include attempts by certain States to introduce exceptions and narrow definitions of torture to widen the universe of permissible treatment, with the argument that “torture works” and is necessary to prevent terrorist attacks and national security threats. Others include the use of evidence obtained by torture and sending individuals to countries where they face a real risk of being subjected to torture (both of which are impermissible).

The REDRESS Nederland meeting will explore the different forms and contexts in which torture is committed, such as sexual and gender-based violence as a tool of war; torture suffered by migrants, and torture committed in the fight against terrorism. Participants will also discuss how to best counteract the arguments which are used to undermine the absolute prohibition on torture and innovative options for the way forward.

Exceptional Measures for Exceptional Times: The Absolute Prohibition of Torture under Threat will take place on 9 June 2017 from 14:00 – 18:00 at the Peace Palace in The Hague. It will be followed by a reception from 18:00 to 19:30 am.

The agenda and full list of participants is available here:

To RSVP, please contact Jürgen Schurr, Head of REDRESS Nederland, at juergen[at]redress.org

For more information, please contact Eva Sanchis, Head of Communications, at eva[at]redress.org or on +44 (0)20 77931777.

About REDRESS Nederland: REDRESS Nederland is a sister organisation of The Redress Trust based in London. REDRESS seeks justice and reparation for survivors of torture and related international crimes. It carries out litigation, research-based advocacy and capacity building, designed to strengthen the conditions necessary to end impunity for torture and afford survivors redress.