In the modern era, there is a troubling resurgence of torture being observed globally. Authoritarian regimes are cracking down on dissent, stifling activists, and causing immense harm. The re-emergence of Donald Trump as the President of the United States, who openly supports the effectiveness of torture, adds to this alarming trend.
Having experienced torture firsthand, I understand the gravity behind such statements. The implications of a US President disregarding the universal ban on torture are severe, as it sets a dangerous precedent for oppressive regimes worldwide.
The commencement of Trump’s second term coincides with the 40th anniversary of the United Nations Convention against Torture, a treaty unequivocally condemning torture as morally reprehensible and illegal. Despite these international agreements, individuals are still subjected to torture for advocating for fundamental rights like education, religious practice, peaceful protest, and voting.
At Freedom from Torture, we witness the lasting devastation inflicted by torture on survivors. While specialized support can aid in their recovery and rebuilding, the psychological scars endure a lifetime. It is imperative to resist any normalization of torture, whether in the corridors of power in Washington or closer to home in the UK.
The actions of the US President wield significant influence globally, impacting people worldwide. Regrettably, under Trump’s administration, there have been assaults on institutions like the International Criminal Court and rhetoric undermining the ban on torture, emboldening autocrats to act with impunity.
The UK must not remain passive in the face of such threats. It is crucial to unequivocally assert that torture is never acceptable. However, to uphold this stance credibly, the UK must first address its own shortcomings in fulfilling obligations under anti-torture conventions.
The UK government has an opportunity to showcase leadership in upholding human rights and international law amidst geopolitical uncertainties. It is paramount for the UK to lead by example in advocating for the ban on torture, both domestically and internationally, even when dealing with allies.
Reflecting on past mistakes, such as involvement in the CIA’s post-9/11 torture program, the UK must remain vigilant to prevent any recurrence of such egregious actions.
Now is the time for the UK to demonstrate its commitment to preserving the absolute ban on torture, a cornerstone of humanity’s ethical progress. Resolute and unwavering opposition to any attempts to normalize or justify torture is essential, regardless of where such justifications arise.
Torture inflicts irreparable harm on lives, a fact I understand intimately. It is imperative that we stand united in safeguarding human dignity, irrespective of the challenges we face. The world is observing our actions closely.