We want to hear your views for the UK Torture Review

8 October 2018 – REDRESS, Children’s Rights Alliance England (CRAE), Children in Wales, Disability Rights UK, Freedom from Torture and Liberty are seeking evidence from civil society organisations in England and Wales for a joint shadow report on the measures taken by the UK Government to prevent torture and ill-treatment.

The call for written evidence will cover areas including, but not limited to:

  • Allegations of torture by UK personnel overseas;
  • Indefinite detention of asylum seekers;
  • Allegations of ill-treatment in Immigration Removal Centres (IRCs);
  • The deportation of individuals who are at risk of torture or ill-treatment;
  • People detained indefinitely in health settings such as Assessment and Treatment Units;
  • The use of solitary confinement/segregation and the use of restraint in institutions including health care settings, prisons and schools;
  • Inquiries into child sexual abuse and exploitation;
  • Violence against women and gender-based violence, including female genital mutilation;
  • Human trafficking; and
  • The impact of Brexit.

We invite and encourage all interested organisations, researchers and practitioners who work on the above or related issues to submit written evidence. The deadline is Friday 16 November 2018.

The shadow report is being produced ahead of the sixth periodic review of the UK by the United Nations Committee against Torture, which is the treaty body that monitors the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Torture. This is a process that happens every four years and presents a real opportunity for civil society to hold the UK Government to account.

REDRESS is also today launching a new Guide to the Convention against Torture. The Guide raises awareness of the issues covered under the Convention and highlights opportunities for civil society and others on how to use the Convention effectively to put pressure on governments to comply with their obligations.

We will also be offering in-person consultation and capacity-building events on this process in Manchester, Cardiff, London and Birmingham throughout October and November 2018.

For further information about the UK Torture Review project and information on how to submit evidence please visit: https://redress.org/our-work/national-laws-and-institutions/uk-torture-review/call-for-evidence/

You can also contact Josie Fathers, REDRESS Advocacy Officer, at [email protected]