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

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

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

The Human Rights Committee at the Norwegian Psychological Association: 20 Years of Work and Future Challenges

The close connection between psychology and human rights is discussed through a presentation of the Human Rights Committee in the Norwegian Psychological Association. The importance of human rights education for a human rights-based approach in psychology is highlighted. The article describes the political events and the strengthening of the international human rights field that inspired the establishment of the committee and the definition of its goals. Main areas are presented, such as the psychological needs of refugees and their rights in resettlement countries, including the right to rehabilitation of victims of torture and the situation for separated minors seeking asylum, and their need for protection and care. Furthermore, human rights in mental health care, focusing on the rights of persons with disabilities, as well as children’s rights, and state obligations to prevent violence and abuse are central concerns. The right not to be discriminated or marginalized is emphasized and the need for psychologists to be involved in protection against discrimination. An international perspective focusing on psychologists involved in human rights abuses or psychologists themselves under threat is discussed as part of the committee’s engagement. The close collaboration with civil society organizations has enabled the committee to work with alternative reports to international monitoring mechanisms as part of periodic reporting, both to UN Treaty bodies and to the UN Human Rights Council (Universal Periodic Review). Finally, the importance of human rights-based psychology, and how joint initiatives can strengthen respect and promotion of rights, are reflected upon

English

In this article, we will examine how the official treaty monitoring body, the Committee against Torture, demonstrated that violenceagainst women was indeed a serious human rights problem that fell squarely within the preview of the Convention against Torture.Because States parties to the Convention are required to report about their compliance with the Convention routinely, the Committee developed a substantial database on national practices and policies. In the course of examining these periodic reports of States parties, and then consolidating findings and conclusionsinto two general comments, the UN Committee Against Torture integrated violence against women in its jurisprudence ontorture and ill-treatment by showing that existing provisions could and did incorporate the obligation to protect against and provideredress for torture and ill-treatment directed against women. Initiatives to raise these issues show how the Committee “placed the range of gender violence—from public to private – squarely within the frame of the Torture Convention” (Copelon, 2008, 242). The article will recall how the adoption of two general commentsto the Convention firmly integrated gender-based violence as a subject of concern under the Convention: General comment no2 (2008) addressed Article 2 on the State obligation to prevent torture and ill-treatment and General comment no 3 (2012) focusedon Article 14 which concerns the obligation to provide redress to victims of torture. Both authors have been members of the Committee during these important years, and it is our aim to provide an overview of the significant processes and decisions taken by the CAT that resulted in the strengthening of the  Committee’s inclusiveness and comprehensiveness in the struggle to prevent torture. Finally, we will reflect on some future challengesfaced by main anti-torture body/ies as part of global efforts to fight violence against women