torture

United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet (file).
UN Photo/Laura Jarriel

Venezuela: ‘Shocked’ by alleged torture, death of navy captain, UN human rights chief urges ‘in-depth’ investigation

2 July 2019
Human Rights

The UN human rights chief has expressed her deep concern over the alleged torture and subsequent death of a retired navy captain who had been imprisoned in Venezuela, urging authorities to conduct a prompt, thorough, independent, and transparent investigation into his death.

Singers wearing hats advocating “No Torture” line up before performing at a Human Rights Day event outside of Mogadishu Central Prison in Somalia.
UN Photo/Tobin Jones

Vile act of torture prohibited ‘under all circumstances’, UN chief affirms on International Day to support victims

26 June 2019
Human Rights

While the prohibition of torture is “absolute, under all circumstances”, UN Secretary-General António Guterres bemoaned the fact that “this core principle is undermined every day” - in detention centres, prisons, police stations, psychiatric institutions and other places where captor can prey on captive.

An elderly woman being held at a female detention centre in northern Afghanistan (2010).
UNAMA/Eric Kanalstein

Progress against torture in Afghan detention centres, but Government needs to do more, says UN report

17 April 2019
Human Rights

Torture is likely still widespread in Afghanistan’s State-run prisons for detainees linked to ongoing conflict there, the UN said on Wednesday, while also noting an “encouraging reduction” in the level of abuse since 2016.