World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT)

¿Puede existir seguridad sin derechos? En las Américas, el avance de las políticas de vigilancia y control coincide con alertas por desalojos, criminalización, desapariciones, impunidad y violencia contra quienes buscan verdad y justicia.

Working hand in hand with local partners, OMCT helps expose torture, strengthen accountability, and support those seeking justice. Your support makes this work possible. We now need your support to preserve and expand this work.

🇵🇪 In this video, Tania Pariona Tarqui, Indigenous Quechua human rights defender from Peru and Executive Secretary of the coalition Coordinadora Nacional de Derechos Humanos (CNDDHH), told us about the state of human rights in Peru. Watch to learn more: bit.ly/3R3buqe

Fleeing persecution doesn’t always mean reaching safety.

No one should face persecution for defending human rights. States must ensure that people seeking refuge can live and work safely, free from threats, reprisals and the risk of torture. Read the report and its recommendations: bit.ly/4B9bk2x

Fleeing persecution doesn’t always mean reaching safety.

A new report, “Out of Reach, Not Out of Risk: Transnational Repression of Human Rights Defenders in East Africa,” exposes how human rights defenders continue to face surveillance, intimidation and threats across borders, even after fleeing their home countries.

“My release shows that collective action can have a real impact.”

In this interview, Abdoul Aziz Goma reflects on the brutal conditions he endured in detention, the power of international solidarity, and why advocacy must continue until all prisoners of conscience are free: “I was released, but they remained behind. That feeling is still very much with me.”

“My release shows that collective action can have a real impact.”

Faces of Hope, OMCT’s campaign highlighting the stories of human rights defenders who have been arbitrarily detained around the world, is a reminder of the power of international solidarity and the importance of continuing to fight for those who remain behind bars.

OMCT warmly congratulates Navanethem “Navi” Pillay on being awarded the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize 👉 lnkd.in/dMNPgQWw

Her life’s work reminds us that the fight against torture and the fight for international justice are one and the same, a message that resonates powerfully for torture survivors and human rights defenders everywhere.

In Bangladesh, thousands of people await execution, some for decades. Many have been sentenced to death on the basis of confessions obtained through torture.

#Spain 🇪🇸 — On 1 October 2017, Roger Español lost an eye after being hit by a rubber bullet during #protests surrounding the independence referendum in #Catalonia. Nine years later, four Spanish National Police officers stood trial, accused of aggravated bodily injury and #torture.

#Spain 🇪🇸 — On 1 October 2017, Roger Español lost an eye after being hit by a rubber bullet during #protests surrounding the independence referendum in #Catalonia. Nine years later, four Spanish National Police officers stood trial, accused of aggravated bodily injury and #torture.

🚨 The mission also recalled the long-lasting impact of #ocularviolence and the State’s obligation to facilitate the exercise of the right to freedom of #peacefulassembly and protect those who participate in protests. The Mission will continue to closely monitor developments in this case.

#Spain 🇪🇸 — On 1 October 2017, Roger Español lost an eye after being hit by a rubber bullet during #protests surrounding the independence referendum in #Catalonia. Nine years later, four Spanish National Police officers stood trial, accused of aggravated bodily injury and #torture.

In its preliminary findings, the mission raised concerns over: ➡️The lack of an active role by the Public Prosecutor’s Office in investigating the alleged acts, and its questioning of the applicability of international standards on the use of force during protests.

#Spain 🇪🇸 — On 1 October 2017, Roger Español lost an eye after being hit by a rubber bullet during #protests surrounding the independence referendum in #Catalonia. Nine years later, four Spanish National Police officers stood trial, accused of aggravated bodily injury and #torture.

Torture often happens behind closed doors, hidden from public view. At OMCT, we partner with human rights defenders worldwide to expose torture, support survivors, and push for justice and accountability. With your support, we can continue and expand this vital work.

🇧🇷 In this video, Maria Clara D’Ávila, a lawyer at the Brazil-based organisation GAJOP, recounts some of the detention conditions she has witnessed in Brazil’s socioeducative units. Watch here: bit.ly/4yH5ggG

🇫🇷 #France : OMCT is concerned by allegations of excessive use of force and mass arrests by police since the start of #protests led by high school students.

France must protect the right of children and youth to participate in protests safely and free from torture and other ill-treatment. 👉 Find out more about anti-torture safeguards in protests: bit.ly/3TK8VKY

🇫🇷 #France : OMCT is concerned by allegations of excessive use of force and mass arrests by police since the start of #protests led by high school students.

Human rights defenders shouldn't have to risk everything to protect others. Together with our partners across the globe, OMCT works to prevent torture, protect those at risk, and hold perpetrators accountable. Now, we need your help to ensure this work continues.

🇨🇮 In this video, Pedan Marthe Coulibaly, National Coordinator of the Ivorian Coalition of Human Rights Defenders (CIDDH), speaks about her journey defending human rights in Côte d’Ivoire. Watch here: bit.ly/4pnAsNy

Even in times of war, torture is never justified. OMCT stands with courageous human rights defenders around the world working to end torture and protect fundamental rights. Help us continue protecting people most at risk. We now need your support to preserve and expand this work.

🇺🇦 In this video, Maryna Demura, Ukrainian human rights defender and Project Manager of the Human Rights Center ZMINA, shares her insights on Ukraine’s remaining gaps in the fight against torture. Watch here: bit.ly/4psWtKY

Hope is one of the most powerful tools human rights defenders have. ✊ Our global network works tirelessly to expose torture, support those affected, and advocate for lasting change. Join us in strengthening this global fight against torture.

We now need your support to preserve and expand this work. 📹 In this video, Mary Lawlor, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, highlights the challenges defenders face, and the enduring power of hope. Watch here: bit.ly/4wMqBU7