-Caveat Lector-
IThe USA - CIA is a major exporter of torture techniques and technology:
* News Release Issued by the International Secretariat of Amnesty
International *
22 January 2001
MDE 01/001/2000
In the last three years people reportedly died as a result of
torture in over 80 countries, torture or ill-treatment by state
agents was reported in over 150 countries and was widespread in
more than 70, Amnesty International said today in a new report
launching a global campaign against torture.
The organization's global survey strongly suggests that
most victims of torture by state agents are criminal suspects
from the poorest or most marginalised sectors of society. Most
of these torturers are police officers.
"Despite entering a new millennium, thousands of men,
women and children continue to suffer behind closed doors and in
public. Amnesty International's survey into torture since 1997
reveals an urgent need for torture to be put back on the
international agenda," the organization said.
"More shocking than the statistics on torture, is the
fact that torture can be stopped but is allowed to persist.
Governments continue to allow torture and ill-treatment to go on,
often turning a blind eye or using it to hold on to power."
Amnesty International's one million members, in
conjunction with community groups, will be challenging
governments to commit themselves to combat torture and create
"Torture Free Zones" in their areas of responsibility. Using
email and SMS mobile phone text messaging, Amnesty International
will take the campaign online enabling the public to send urgent
appeals on behalf of those at immediate risk of torture.
"Only public pressure can force governments to take
action to stop torture. Our task is to turn public indifference
into outrage and outrage into action," Amnesty International said
urging the public to take a step to stamp out torture.
Amnesty International calls on all the governments
worldwide to ensure that no one is tortured or ill- treated and
that his or her fundamental human rights are not violated. No one
should be arrested or detained because of peacefully exercising
his or her rights to freedom of expression or belief. All those
arrested should have immediate access to the outside world,
including legal counsel and their families.
Governments must ensure that they do not impose judicial
punishments which are inconsistent with international law and the
standards set by the UN Convention Against Torture (UNCAT).
Amnesty International calls on all the countries which have not
ratified UNCAT and the other human rights treaties to do so
immediately, without reservation, and to implement them in law
and practice.
Amnesty International's report issued today, brings to
light new challenges in combating torture. Torture and
ill-treatment is occurring in different settings, both in
democracies and dictatorships, in places of detention, schools
and homes.
Methods of torture have expanded as the trade in torture
equipment has become more globalized. In some cases, torture is
now more high-tech with the manufacture, export and use of
devices designed specifically for use on human beings.
Amnesty International's report also highlights the role
of discrimination in feeding torture. It is easier for the
torturer to inflict pain on someone who is seen as less than
human -- someone from a despised social, ethnic or political
group. Discrimination paves the way for torture by allowing the
victim to be seen not as human but as an object who can be
treated inhumanely.
Amnesty International points to the importance of raising
awareness of human rights issues and human rights education. Both
are important as long term strategies to prevent human rights
violations such as torture.
We hope that Amnesty International's regional office for
the Middle East in Beirut, which is now beginning its work will
contribute substantially to human rights education and awareness
initiatives in the future.
Worldwide there is a pattern of racially motivated
torture and ill-treatment by state officials. Many of the
victims of police brutality in Europe and the US are black or
members of ethnic minorities.
Children have reportedly been tortured or ill-treated in
more than 50 countries in the last three years proving that youth
is no protection against torture. Children in police custody are
particularly vulnerable to rape and sexual abuse. Governments
have a duty to protect children from torture and ill-treatment in
the community and the home, as well as in custody.
Discrimination against women continues to take violent
forms -- women are raped in custody or as "spoils of war", they
are genitally mutilated in the name of tradition, flogged or
killed in the name of honour
Torture is illegal under international law and 119
countries have ratified the major international treaty banning
it. Many governments choose not to bring torturers to justice --
impunity for torturers remains endemic.
The campaign is being launched by Amnesty International
members and supporters across the globe. Key regional launch
events are rolling out over a 24-hour-period starting from Japan
to Lebanon, Kenya, France and Argentina.
The report and a media briefing are available at the
campaign web site: www.stoptorture.org
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