PHR Toolkits » Module 1: International Legal Standards (Overview)

To understand basic definitions of torture and other forms of cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment.
To familiarize students with the international legal standards on the prohibition of torture and ill-treatment
To obtain a clear understanding of the torture practises in the world today and relevant country-specific practises.
To be familiar with international and regional monitoring mechanisms.
To understand basic torture prevention and accountability measures, including specific safeguards for those deprived of their liberty.
To identify international and country specific needs for prevention and accountability measures, including specific safeguards for those deprived of their liberty.
To identify country-specific challenges in preventing torture and holding perpetrators accountable including effective remedial measures in this regard.

Definition of torture and ill-treatment
Brief review of the purpose of torture and its history
Review of relevant international standards for torture prevention
Torture in the world today, including practises, the role of state and non-state actors, common situations for allegations
Review of country-specific legal standards and torture practises [to be provided by Instructors]
Overview of prevention and accountability measures
International and regional monitoring mechanisms and formal inspections of detention facilities

Compare and contrast similarities and differences between international standards and national legislation

Develop a 10-12 point country-specific plan for torture prevention and accountability
Discuss how international, regional and national organisations can work together for the effective investigation and prevention of torture.
Discuss the role of health professionals in torture prevention and accountability.
Discuss the relationship between human rights and human security in general, and specifically with regard to national anti-terror policies/practises and torture.

Divide the class into several groups and assign each group with one or more (or all) of the Discussion Topics listed above.
A facilitator should be identified to moderate the discussion and rapporteur should be identified to record the group’s findings and report them when the class reconvenes.
After 20-30 minutes of group discussion, the entire class should reconvene
Rapporteurs should briefly report on their group’s findings
Open class discussion

Conduct literature research on the psychology of abuse and write a two-page essay analyzing different theories. Provide your opinion with supporting information
Develop a 10-12 point, country-specific plan for torture prevention and accountability
Develop a country-specific list of organisations and bodies relevant to torture and ill-treatment

Journal Entry: (Instructor to assign students to write a few paragraphs — no more than a page on one or more of the following)

Respond to one or more of the Discussion Topics
Why do you think health professionals should or should not be concerned about torture and ill-treatment?

The Istanbul Protocol, Chapters I and III, Annex I
The Torture Reporting Handbook
Action Against Torture: A Practical Guide to the Istanbul Protocol for Lawyers
Medical Investigation and Documentation of Torture: A Handbook for Health Professionals
Combating Torture: A Manual for Judges and Prosecutors
The Torture Reporting Handbook