Justice is a torture survivor's right. It is also an essential part of their healing process and sends a clear signal to perpetrators that torture will not be tolerated, wherever it takes place. Yet, torture survivors in the UK are currently unable to seek justice in English courts for the torture they endured overseas.
If enacted, the Torture (Damages) Bill would allow survivors to make a claim for compensation in the courts of England and Wales, where they are unable to do so in the country in which they were tortured.
During the 2007-08 parliamentary session, the Bill successfully passed all stages in the Lords and had a First Reading in the House of Commons before the parliamentary year ended and the Bill could progress no further.
With the start of the 2008-09 parliamentary session, the Bill begins its journey again.
The Bill passed its First Reading in the House of Lords on 14th January 2009, where it was introduced by Lord Archer of Sandwell QC . It also had a First Reading in the House of Commons on 26th January, introduced by Andrew Dismore MP. Keep updated on the Bill's progress here.
TAKE ACTION!
Thank you to all our supporters who have successfully campaigned for the Bill during 2008. We now need your help to continue keeping up the pressure for the Bill's enactment during 2009.
- Bring to the attention of the Government the importance of passing this Bill and of enforcing the absolute prohibition of torture. Click here to write to your MP
- DONATE: Your support will allow us to keep campaigning for justice for torture survivors and for perpetrators to be held to account - Donate online
- If you have experience dealing with survivors of torture or, of the legal issues relating to accountability for torture and state immunity and would like to submit evidence, contact lucy@redress.org
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Torture (Damages) Bill
Evidence and Briefings
Symposium
Media Coverage
| Torture survivors tell REDRESS why the Torture (Damages) Bill is so important to obtaining justice. Watch our video |
Why Torture Survivors Support This Bill
(click on the pictures below to read their statements)
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"One thing that really hurt was being blindfolded and just catching sight of ‘Made in England’ on the handcuffs. Boy did that hurt."
Les Walker (British, tortured in Saudi Arabia) |
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"Oh my god you can’t believe it. For two hours one guard is slapping, one is kicking, one is punching me. I fall down twice but I am picked up."
Jafaar Al Hasabi (Bahraini, tortured in Bahrain) |
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"Hiding behind the barrier of State Immunity, the states have never had to dispute the substantive evidence of alleged heinous crimes."
Keith Carmichael (British, tortured in Saudi Arabia) |
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Mission
