Does Torture Prevention Work?

In the past three decades, international and regional human rights bodies have developed an ever-lengthening list of measures that states are required to adopt in order to prevent torture. But do any of these mechanisms actually work?

This study is the first systematic analysis of the effectiveness of torture prevention. Primary research was conducted in 16 countries, looking at their experience of torture and prevention mechanisms over a 30-year period. Data was analysed using a combination of quantitative and qualitative techniques.

Prevention measures do work, although some are much more effective than others. Most important of all are the safeguards that should be applied in the first hours and days after a person is taken into custody. Notification of family and access to an independent lawyer and doctor have a significant impact in reducing torture.

The investigation and prosecution of torturers and the creation of independent monitoring bodies are also important in reducing torture.

An important caveat to the conclusion that prevention works is that is actual practice in police stations and detention centres that matters – not treaties ratified or laws on the statute book.

Richard Carver is Senior Lecturer in Human Rights and Governance at Oxford Brookes University

Lisa Handley is President of Frontier International Consulting and was formerly professor of political science at George Washington University and University of Virginia.