UN Experts Advocate for Global Treaty to Prohibit Trade and Use of Torture Tools

Geneva, UN experts today urged Member States to commit to a new treaty aimed at banning the trade, production, and use of equipment known to cause torture. The proposed international agreement also seeks to regulate the use of such tools by law enforcement and other public bodies, responding to a growing call from various human rights figures, including the UN Special Rapporteur on torture.

According to Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the initiative follows a 2019 UN General Assembly directive for the establishment of torture-free trade standards. These standards align with the Model Protocol for Law Enforcement Officials and the United Nations Human Rights Guidance on Less-Lethal Weapons in Law Enforcement, aiming to curb the excessive force and mistreatment often reported during peaceful protests.

The call for a torture-free trade treaty comes amid rising concerns over the militarization of law enforcement and the frequent use of force in public assemblies globally. The experts highlighted the urgency of this treaty in light of recent increases in the mobilization and suppression of protestors, which often results in serious injuries and fatalities. The treaty would also address the risks posed by security forces in places of detention and medical facilities.

Further underscoring their commitment, the UN experts supported the Special Rapporteur on Torture’s recommendation to immediately halt the production and use of twenty specified items associated with torture. They called on states to regularly review and update the list of prohibited tools and equipment, ensuring compliance with international standards prohibiting torture.

The experts also recommended that nations revise their national laws to eliminate the production, trade, and utilization of equipment that infringes upon human rights, such as the right to dignity, life, security, and liberty.