'Combating torture: a manual for action', Amnesty International, London: 2003
Amnesty International’s (AI) Combating torture: a manual for action is a comprehensive reference guide for advocates working to prevent and end torture. It begins with an overview of the principal achievements and emerging framework for action against torture since World War II. In-depth case studies of efforts against torture and ill treatment in the Israeli Occupied Territories, Peru, United States, Austria and South Africa provide concrete examples of the challenges and opportunities human rights defenders face. The manual contains a detailed chapter on evolving international legal standards and initiatives to prevent and end torture. Another chapter examines national legislation to prohibit torture and bring perpetrators to account, while the work of international tribunals in Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia is also covered. Useful sections on torture and ill treatment in institutions such as prisons, schools and mental institutions, as well as in situations of armed conflict highlight the many circumstances in which these abuses should be prevented.
Book review: Combating torture: a manual for action, Amnesty International, London: 2003. (ISBN: 0-86210-323-1; AI Index: ACT 40/001/2003)
Review by Christina Clark
Amnesty International’s (AI) Combating torture: a manual for action is a comprehensive reference guide for advocates working to prevent and end torture. It begins with an overview of the principal achievements and emerging framework for action against torture since World War II. In-depth case studies of efforts against torture and ill treatment in the Israeli Occupied Territories, Peru, United States, Austria and South Africa provide concrete examples of the challenges and opportunities human rights defenders face.
The manual contains a detailed chapter on evolving international legal standards and initiatives to prevent and end torture. Another chapter examines national legislation to prohibit torture and bring perpetrators to account, while the work of international tribunals in Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia is also covered. Useful sections on torture and ill treatment in institutions such as prisons, schools and mental institutions, as well as in situations of armed conflict highlight the many circumstances in which these abuses should be prevented.
The guide ends with a call to action, particularly aimed at governments, to prevent torture worldwide. Indeed, as the title suggests, the manual is focused on translating into action the rhetoric of the international regime against torture. Throughout, Combating torture highlights the successful work of many civil society organisations and inter-governmental bodies to date and provides specific proposals and recommendations for improvements in other areas. It is particularly useful in highlighting emerging issues and specific groups of torture victims who do not always receive adequate attention, including women, children, homosexuals and asylum seekers.
In general, the manual is user-friendly, explaining different concepts in clear, layperson’s language and providing references to suggested resources and further reading throughout each chapter. It also contains several useful appendices, including a good bibliography of books, articles and manuals; references to relevant AI and UN documents and publications; and excerpts from many of the principal legal instruments. Unfortunately, the small typeface in the text makes reading difficult at times, and the manual could also have benefited from a glossary of terms.
Drawing on AI’s extensive experience in the field, Combating torture: a manual for action is an invaluable resource for anyone concerned about torture and ill treatment and wishing to contribute to efforts to end these abuses around the world.
To obtain a copy of Combating torture: a manual for action, please visit AI’s website at:
http://web.amnesty.org/shop/index/ISBN_0862103231, or
http://web.amnesty.org/library/index/engact400012003