Reproductive Freedom, Torture and International Human Rights: Challenging the Masculinization of Torture, By Ronli Sifris

The title of the book could not be clearer about its key message. In the words of the author, it aims to “contribute to a feminist conceptualization of international human rights by examining restrictions on reproductive freedom through the lens of the right to be free from torture and CIDT [Cruel, Inhumane or Degrading Treatment]” (p8). Sifris’ book draws attention to the grave reality surrounding women’s reproductive freedom in numerous countries and, in particular, the severe restrictions on abortions and the practice of involuntary sterilizations. The author affirms how inhumane and dangerous it is for international law to overlook women’s choices in relation to their own bodies, and the consequences this may have, with many women suffering or dying because of lack of protection. The important question, which is not only raised but discussed in depth, is: how the prohibition against torture can actively be applied in this context

Liberation social psychology: learning from Latin America

Liberation Social Psychology (la psicología social de la liberación, LSP) has developed amongst a body of psychologists in Latin America over the last decade. There has been no survey of the field in English, although some of the ideas are of relevance for those working with oppressed groups elsewhere in the world. This article explores the context in which LSP grew from the work of Ignacio Martín-Baró and was developed by Maritza Montero, amongst others. Within LSP, key concepts emerge, including conscientization, realismo-crítico, de-ideologization, a social orientation, the preferential option for the oppressed majorities and methodological eclecticism. The application of LSP is explored with reference to three domains. First, it is suggested that community social psychology as practised in some parts of Latin America reflects LSP in its emphasis on social transformation and participatory methods. Second, psycho-social work with victims of state oppression, which adopts a highly social and societal orientation embodies LSP. Third, social analyses which explicitly adopt socio-psychological-political analyses of the social realities confronting countries in Latin America embrace, in different ways, principles and concepts of LSP. Some of the challenges facing LSP are discussed and open dialogue is encouraged between LSP and critical, community and applied social psychologists. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd

Gross human rights violations and reparation under international law: approaching rehabilitation as a form of reparation

The strengthening of international criminal law through an increased focus on the right to reparation and rehabilitation for victims of crimes against humanity represents an important challenge to health professionals, particularly to those in the field of trauma research and treatment. A brief outline of some developments in the field of international law and justice for victims of gross human rights violations is presented, with a focus on the right to reparation including the means for rehabilitation. The fulfillment of this right is a complex endeavor which raises many questions. The road to justice and reparation for those whose rights have been brutally violated is long and burdensome. The active presence of trauma-informed health professionals in this process is a priority. Some of the issues raised within the context of states’ obligations to provide and ensure redress and rehabilitation to those subjected to torture and gross human rights violations are discussed, and in particular how rehabilitation can be understood and responded to by health professionals

Nano-Indentation of Anisotropic Material: Numerical Approaches to Extract Elasticities from Nano-Indentation

Division of Biomechanics participates in a project together with Department of Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, NTNU, on effects of proton pump inhibitor medication on bone quality. This common anti-stomach acid medication seems to result in an increased bone fragility in humans. As a step towards comparing mechanical properties at micro level, between sick and healthy bone tissue, mice femur have been tested at micro level using the increasingly popular tool, nanoindentation. Futher, an analytical finite element model has been created in an effort to increase the understanding of nanoindentation of bone. It is concluded that the experimental protocol is not accurate enough(SD ~ 5GPa for reduced Young's modulus) as a result of multiple factors, mainly indentation locations. The experimental results were compared to the finite element model. It was possible to match the data curves of the experimental tests with the analytical tests by adjusting the model parameters. Unfortunatly, this resulted in divergent results(plastic yield stress of ~ 600MPa and reduced Young's modulus of nearly 60% of the experimental data(32,45 GPa and 20GPa). As an effort to reduce the divergence between the experimental and analytical testing, multiple suggestions were made

The United Nations Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment: The absolute Prohibition and the Obligation to Prevent

In this chapter I discuss the practical application of the Convention for the purpose of eradicating, preventing, and punishing torture and ill-treatment, as well as protecting against torture and ill-treatment and providing redress for victims. For a better understanding of the nature and extent of ill-treatments covered by the Convention, I provide an overview of what it implies for states to ratify this treaty in terms of reporting, collaborating, and implementing its requirements in practice. The chapter starts with a discussion of the definition of torture, as understood and implemented by the Committee Against Torture (hereafter CAT or the Committee), which is the United Nations (UN) body established to monitor the states’ compliance with the Convention. This is a chapter in the book Torture and Its Definition In International Law.An Interdisciplinary Approach. © 2017 Oxford University Pres