Torture is wrong in all circumstances, and strictly prohibited under international law. Not only is it illegal and immoral, history has shown us time and time again that it doesn’t lead to reliable evidence – a person being tortured will say anything to make the pain stop.

But torture is still used in many parts of the world. People are tortured into signing false ‘confessions’, or admitting to something they haven’t done. During the so-called ‘war on terror’ the US Government presided over the systematic torture of detainees, and the UK Government actively assisted the US in doing so. 

Together with our sister organization Reprieve, we investigate historic torture cases. We uncover the truth and reveal survivors’ stories. And we hold those responsible to account – in the courts of law, the court of public opinion, and in the corridors of government.

We also look forward – developing policy proposals to uphold the absolute prohibition of torture around the world and creating mechanisms for torturers to be held to account.