The latest issue of the Torture Journal: Journal on Rehabilitation of Torture Victims and Prevention of Torture (Vol. 34 No. 3, 2024) has been released, offering a compelling range of articles that address pressing issues in the fight against torture and the protection of human rights globally. With contributions from leading experts in human rights, public health, and rehabilitation, the journal continues to serve as a vital resource for practitioners, policymakers, and academics.
The editorial by Pau Perez-Sales and Sara Lopez-Martin opens the issue with a critical analysis of the denial of abortion rights as a form of ill-treatment or torture. Drawing from international human rights jurisprudence, the authors argue that restrictive abortion laws can result in cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment, emphasizing the need for decriminalization and the role of health and legal professionals in advancing reproductive rights.
In a systematic review, Catarina Nahlén Bose and Ronak Tamdjidi focus on children who survive torture, advocating for child-specific protocols in rehabilitation centres. Their work highlights the necessity of tailored approaches to address the unique psychological and physical needs of child survivors.
The journal also includes a research paper by Nudd et al., which examines the dire health and legal consequences of prison overcrowding. Their findings call for urgent reforms to address systemic violence and improve conditions in penal systems worldwide.
A pilot study by Tinghög et al. explores the potential of intensive trauma-focused PTSD treatment for refugees. Preliminary results show promise in alleviating trauma symptoms, though the study stresses the importance of long-term follow-up to measure sustained impact.
Anne Margrethe Sønneland provides a poignant narrative reconstruction of survivors rebuilding their lives after torture. Her work sheds light on the enduring social and emotional challenges faced by survivors, as well as their resilience.
Berta Soley and Hugo Marboeuf examine the practical implementation of the IRCT Global Standards on Rehabilitation of Torture Survivors. Their article highlights the lessons learned from applying these standards in rehabilitation centres worldwide and offers strategies to improve care quality.
In the news section, Andrea Mølgaard reports on a landmark legal victory against a U.S. contractor for acts of torture at Abu Ghraib prison. This case marks a significant step forward for international justice and accountability. Additionally, Anna Fierz contributes a letter addressing the rise in ocular injuries caused by less-lethal weapons in Switzerland, urging regulatory measures to protect civilians during protests.
The issue concludes with a call for papers focusing on human rights violations in Israel and Occupied Palestine, inviting submissions that examine the intersection of torture, conflict, and legal accountability in the region.
This issue of Torture Journal underscores the urgent need for continued advocacy, research, and systemic reform to prevent torture and support survivors worldwide.