Published
Sep 22, 2023Page count
208 pagesISBN
978-1529225693Dimensions
234 x 156 mmImprint
Bristol University PressPublished
Sep 22, 2023Page count
208 pagesISBN
978-1529225686Dimensions
234 x 156 mmImprint
Bristol University PressPublished
Sep 22, 2023Page count
208 pagesISBN
978-1529225709Dimensions
234 x 156 mmImprint
Bristol University PressPublished
Sep 22, 2023Page count
208 pagesISBN
978-1529225709Dimensions
234 x 156 mmImprint
Bristol University Press
Tackling Torture
How big a problem is torture? Are the right things being done to prevent it? Why does the UN appear at times to be so impotent in the face of it?
In this vitally important work, Malcolm D. Evans tells the story of torture prevention under international law, setting out what is really happening around the world. Challenging assumptions about torture’s root causes, he calls for what is needed to enable us to bring about change.
The author draws on over ten years’ experience as Chair of the UN Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture to give a frank account of the remarkable capacities of this system, what it has achieved in practice, or not been able to achieve – and most importantly, why.
“An enlightening read. Evans shares invaluable insights and reflections on the OPCAT and the SPT, before expertly and engagingly taking us to the heart of torture prevention in the field.” Lutz Oette, SOAS University of London
“Combining legal expertise and experience in UN treaty bodies, Evans tackles the tensions between the vision of universality and the practical reality of preventing torture in this important book." Silvia Casale, former President of the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and UN Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture
"A really truthful account of what ‘torture prevention’ is in practice, from the perspective of someone who has been ‘in the job’ from the UN side for over a decade. It is impossible to put down, an incredibly brave book and well overdue." Elīna Šteinerte, member of the UN Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture and former Chair Rapporteur of the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention
“Preventing torture ought to be 100% effective. Unfortunately, this is still not so. Evans’ book gathers what we need to know and do to make it work.” Jens Modvig, DIGNITY: Danish Institute Against Torture and former Chair of the UN Committee against Torture
"Writing eloquently and accessibly, Evans dwells on the readily achievable. This is an essential text for those interested in questions of detention, monitoring and anti-torture." Human Rights Law Review
"Evans’ reflections are authoritative, unique and fascinating, as can only be expected given his experience and erudition—helping to sow the seeds in the minds of those who blindly insist on rigidity and consistency in the orthodox human rights practice against its messy reality." Human Rights Law Review
Malcolm D. Evans is Principal of Regent’s Park College, Oxford. He was formerly Professor of Public International Law at the University of Bristol and Chair of the UN Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture. In 2015, he was appointed KCMG for services to the prevention of torture and the promotion of religious liberty, having previously been awarded the OBE in 2004.
Part 1: The Solution
1. What Is Torture?
2. Why Prevention?
3. Establishing the Optional Protocol to the United Nations Convention against Torture
4. What the Optional Protocol to the United Nations Convention against Torture Requires
5. The Visiting Mandate of the UN Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture
6. The UN Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture and National Preventive Mechanisms
Part 2: The Problem
7. Visits: An Insider’s Story
8. Accepting the Unacceptable
9. Excusing the Inexcusable
10. Prescribing the Inappropriate
11. Working with Fictions
12. Thinking Positively about Prevention
