REDRESS Calls on All States to End Reprisals Against Torture Victims Seeking Remedies and To Establish Adequate Rehabilitation Programmes.
REDRESS, the international human rights organization that helps torture survivors obtain justice and reparation, today releases two reports on key areas of challenge for survivors. These two reports are being released on the 25th Anniversary of the adoption of the United Nations Torture Convention, which is also the 61st Anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
“Ending Threats and Reprisals Against Victims of Torture and Related International Crimes: A Call To Action”, highlights the continuing threats and reprisals faced by survivors, and others involved in their cases and the serious inadequacy of protection measures available to them. Without protection, justice is illusory: victims will not come forward, perpetrators will continue to torture with impunity.
“Rehabilitation As A Form of Reparation Under International Law”, addresses the need for a broader and fuller consideration of rehabilitation, both in terms of survivors access to the services they require, and the extent to which rehabilitation has been recognized as a right. These are not theoretical questions but have very concrete consequences for survivors, many of whom have life-long injuries.
The UN Convention against Torture was not meant to be merely a theoretical text setting out theoretical rights. States are obliged to make the rights set out in the Convention practical and effective. Protecting and rehabilitating Survivors is a necessary starting point.
Mission
