Participation in torture

Forced exposure to torture
Forced participation in torture

Nature

Victims of torture are frequently forced to actively or passively participate in the torture of other victims. Men are forced to have sexual relations with women prisoners. Prisoners hold others while they are tortured. They may be told if they confess another prisoner will not be tortured implying guilt for any harm done.

Background

The global significance of participation in torture emerged prominently after World War II, as revelations of systematic abuse prompted the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) and later the UN Convention Against Torture (1984). Despite these milestones, reports from organizations such as Amnesty International and the UN Special Rapporteur have documented persistent, widespread involvement of state and non-state actors in torture, highlighting its enduring prevalence and the evolving complexity of accountability mechanisms worldwide.

Incidence

Participation in torture remains a pervasive issue, with reports from organizations such as Amnesty International and the United Nations indicating that torture or ill-treatment occurs in over 140 countries. Despite international legal prohibitions, state and non-state actors continue to engage in torture during conflicts, interrogations, and detention, affecting thousands of victims annually. The problem persists across diverse political systems and regions, highlighting its global scale and persistence.
In 2022, credible investigations documented systematic torture of detainees by security forces in Myanmar following the military coup. Victims reported beatings, electric shocks, and other forms of abuse in prisons and interrogation centers throughout the country.

Claim

Participation in torture is a grave and urgent problem that demands our immediate attention. It represents a fundamental violation of human rights and dignity, eroding the moral fabric of any society that permits it. Allowing or ignoring torture undermines justice, breeds fear, and perpetuates cycles of violence. We must unequivocally condemn and combat all forms of participation in torture to uphold humanity, protect the vulnerable, and ensure a just and ethical world.