14 March 2018, 18:30-20:30
Event
ICRC
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.
News
Geneva Academy
Sixteen diplomats from fifteen Small Island Developing States and Least Developed Countries participated in a two-day Practical Training on Human Rights Council Procedures.
News
Geneva Academy
The Geneva Human Rights Platform has taken its work on strengthening the international human rights system to the heart of European policymaking.
Project
Victoria Pickering
This project aims at providing support to the UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights to Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and of Association Clément Voulé by addressing emerging issues affecting civic space and eveloping tools and materials allowing various stakeholders to promote and defend civic space.
Project
Olivier Chamard/Geneva Academy
Publication