Fighting Impunity for Acts of Torture: Ensuring Accountability for Perpetrators and Justice for Victims
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Organized by
This half-day conference provides an opportunity for OSCE participating States and civil society to examine how effective, impartial and independent investigations contribute to achieving accountability for acts of torture and other ill-treatment and how to overcome obstacles to conducting such investigations. It will also provide a platform to elaborate on the specific challenges that exist with regard to documenting and investigating acts of torture during armed conflicts, including through the use of universal jurisdiction, and specific issues related to prisoners of war and other persons deprived of liberty.
Background
In their OSCE Human Dimension Commitments, participating States have explicitly and unequivocally pledged to uphold the absolute prohibition of torture and other ill-treatment and have committed themselves to strive for its elimination. However, torture and other ill-treatment is still practiced in the OSCE region, both in situations of armed conflict and in times of peace. This grave human rights violation can to some degree be attributed to concerning cultures of impunity and a failure to ensure criminal investigations for acts of torture and other ill-treatment across the region.
In order to adequately combat torture and other ill-treatment, it is crucial to ensure that perpetrators face accountability for their actions. When states fail to take measures to investigate, prosecute and punish acts of torture, it can incentivize public officials to commit torture and other ill-treatment. Ensuring accountability for acts of torture and other ill-treatment, including sexual violence, proves to be particularly challenging in situations of armed conflict, as evidenced by the current conflict n Ukraine.
Outcomes
The meeting’s conclusions and recommendations could be used, among others, to inspire possible further action within the OSCE in the field of torture prevention. An outcome report with key recommendations on possible further action will be prepared by the organizers, with the support of the OSCE 2022 Polish Chairpersonship and ODIHR.
The conference is supported by ODIHR as part of its work to assist participating States in the fight against torture.
Further information
This event is not open for public participation.