The fight against torture

This manual is the second ODIHR publication in the arena of torture prevention. While Preventing Torture: A Handbook for OSCE Field Staff, published in 1999, explained the Organization²s role in torture prevention and offered advice to OSCE field operations on how to effectively engage in torture prevention activities, The Fight Against Torture analyzes OSCE experience and, based on this experience, proposes strategies for future work in this area. It also takes into consideration new developments in the international regulatory framework addressing the issue of torture and other forms of ill-treatment, notably the Optional Protocol to the United Nations Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OPCAT). This publication contains a number of examples of effective approaches to implementation and best practices regarding the establishment of so-called National Preventive Mechanisms, as required by OPCAT.