Event information

14 March 2018, 18:30-20:30

Downloads

Flyer >

Interrogation and Torture: Research on Efficacy, and Impacts for International Law

Event

Papua New Guinea, Southern Highlands province, Katiloma. Barbed wires at the window of a clinic abandoned because of a tribal conflict. Papua New Guinea, Southern Highlands province, Katiloma. Barbed wires at the window of a clinic abandoned because of a tribal conflict.

The international law on torture is clear and comprehensive: torture is illegal, by any authority, against any individual, in any circumstances, anywhere in the world. Yet, the idea persists that using torture can be useful for gathering vital intelligence to save lives — often embodied in the so-called ‘ticking bomb’ scenario. This event proposes to look at torture as an intelligence gathering tool through the lens of efficacy.

Specifically, there will be discussion of the federally funded scientific research program in the United States started in 2010 by the Obama administration to investigate the most effective interrogation techniques. Such knowledge and science are being brought to bear on the realm of international law as the former UN Special Rapporteur on Torture Juan Méndez launched an initiative at the close of his mandate in 2016 to create a 'Universal Protocol' to set standards for non-coercive interviewing. It is suggested that these developments have the potential to transform the conversation on interrogation and torture.

Panelists

  • Steven J. Barela, Research and Teaching Fellow, Global Studies Institute at the University of Geneva
  • Andra Nicolescu, Advocacy and Legal Advisor, Association for the Prevention of Torture

MORE ON THIS THEMATIC AREA

Students at a Geneva Academy event News

Join Our Online Meetings for Prospective Students

6 November 2025

 Join our online information sessions for prospective students interested in our LLM - MAS Programmes.

Read more

GHRP Ai for Good Workshop News

Exploring the Role of Artificial Intelligence in Human Rights Monitoring: Key Takeaways from the AI for Good Workshop

22 July 2025

Our event brought together human rights practitioners, data scientists, and AI experts to explore how artificial intelligence can support efforts to monitor human rights and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Read more

Panel Discussion: Project

Treaty Body Members’ Platform

Started in January 2014

The Treaty Body Members’ Platform connects experts in UN treaty bodies with each other as well as with Geneva-based practitioners, academics and diplomats to share expertise, exchange views on topical questions and develop synergies.

Read more

Neutrotechology Project

Neurotechnology and Human Rights

Started in August 2023

This project addresses the human rights implications stemming from the development of neurotechnology for commercial, non-therapeutic ends, and is based on a partnership between the Geneva Academy, the Geneva University Neurocentre and the UN Human Rights Council Advisory Committee. 

Read more

Cover of the 2023 Geneva Academy Annual Report Publication

Annual Report 2024

published on July 2025

Read more