World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT)

🦋 New space, same mission: fight for a world without torture. We’re now on Bluesky. A new platform where we’ll amplify the voices of torture survivors, highlight global struggles, and strengthen our global movement against torture. 📲 Follow us at @omctorg.bsky.social and be part of the conversation. 🔗 bsky.app/profile/omctor…

#FacesOfHope: Today women human rights defenders Marfa Rabkova and Nasta Lojka have been released! ❤️‍🩹 We welcome their release and that of many other human rights defenders in Belarus. We recall that they should have never been detained in the first place and that many other human rights activists are still arbitrarily detained in Belarus for defending rights. We urge Belarussian authorities to release ALL human rights defenders. #Belarus #WHRD #MarfaRabkova #NastaLojka #FreeHRDs #Viasna #HumanConstanta @FreeViasna @HumanConstanta @eu_eeas

🇳🇮#Nicaragua: El régimen detiene a familias y las desaparece. Carlos Brenes y su esposa, Salvadora Martínez están desaparecidos desde que fueron detenidos arbitrariamente hace 7 meses. En el último año, dos víctimas de desaparición forzada han muerto bajo custodia del Estado. Exigimos garantías de vida y libertad total. 🔗 Leer más: bit.ly/4rCjr1I

🇻🇪 #Venezuela: La ausencia de un listado oficial y la falta de transparencia en los criterios de liberación de las personas privadas de libertad en Venezuela, conforme a la recién aprobada Ley de Amnistía, también vulnera la integridad de las familias. Esperar por la libertad no debería ser una condena adicion. 🔗 Leer más: bit.ly/4uAewRE

📣 Reminder OMCT is still accepting applications for the position of its Secretary General. If you are passionate about advancing our vision of a collective, network-based human rights movement, we warmly invite you to participate in our recruitment process. 🔗 You can submit your application until 3 April 2026: bit.ly/4aTxf2I

🇵🇭 A year ago today, former Philippines’ president Rodrigo Duterte was arrested under an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant, charging him with crimes against humanity linked to his “war on drugs”, a violent anti-drug campaign that led to thousands of killings, mostly children. 🔜 A year later, the confirmation of charges hearing took place in The Hague. A key step to achieve justice for the victims. Rowena Legaspi, Executive Director of the Children’s Legal Rights and Development Center in the Philippines, partner of OMCT and SOS-Torture network member, traveled to attend this hearing. She has worked for years to defend the rights of children killed in this war on drugs. ✊🏾 In this interview, Rowena Legaspi walks us through this journey towards justice and accountability. 🔗 Watch the interview and read the Q&A: bit.ly/46TwO6c

#195PeríodoCIDH | #CIDHAudiencias | #ElSalvador: Situación de las #PersonasDefensoras de #DerechosHumanos en el contexto del régimen de excepción. 👉🏻 Organizaciones advirtieron un patrón de restricciones y persecución penal contra personas defensoras, así como limitaciones a las labores de defensa generadas por la aplicación de la Ley de Agentes Extranjeros. Denunciaron que el modelo de seguridad genera violaciones a derechos humanos que podrían constituir crímenes de lesa humanidad. 👉🏻 El Estado presentó información del régimen de excepción y su impacto en la reducción en los niveles de violencia. Planteó que la principal finalidad de Ley de Agentes Extranjeros es la transparencia. Reconoció el papel de las personas defensoras y enfatizó que los procesos penales en su contra no son motivados por su labor de defensa. 👉🏻 La #CIDH valoró la presencia de las partes en la audiencia y su relevancia para promover el diálogo interamericano. Recordó su informe de estado de excepción que establece su incompatibilidad como medida permanente. Además, enfatizó la importancia de dar cumplimiento a las medidas cautelares otorgadas en favor de personas defensoras en el país. Ve la audiencia aquí: ow.ly/wTeE50Ys96z

COFAVIC: "Seguimos viendo el dolor de muchas familias que aún esperan la libertad plena de sus seres queridos. Seguimos evidenciando el silencio del Estado venezolano con respecto a las denuncias públicas de violaciones a los derechos humanos". Nuestra intervención en las audiencias públicas de la Comisión Interamericana de Derechos Humanos, durante el 195 periodo de sesiones⬇️

📢 Join us at FIFDH 2026, for a powerful panel discussion, ‘Ukrainian Women, Targets of Organized Sexual Crimes’ which brings together experts and advocates to understand mechanisms of accountability and emphasise on the urgent need of survivor-centered dialogue. 📽️ The discussion will be followed by the screening of the film, Traces. Watch the trailer: bit.ly/3MioJkv 📅 15 March 2026 🕓 4PM 📍Espace Pitoëff - Théâtre, Rue de Carouge 52, 1205 Geneva 🔗 To know more, head to the link in our bio.

📣 Reminder - Global Torture Index Europe Event! 🇧🇪 The OMCT is hosting its next regional event on March 13 in Brussels, focusing on borders, detention & use of force — with a spotlight on four implementing countries: Italy, Moldova, Hungary & Spain. 📍Venue: UN House, Brussels + Online 📅 Day and Date: Friday, 13 March 2026 🕤 9:30–13:30 Check out the agenda: bit.ly/3NfvzHH 🔗 Register here: bit.ly/404Sit2 ⏳ Registration closes Wednesday — hurry up and secure your spot! The speakers: @hhc_helsinki @_cnascimento_ @AntigoneOnlus @centre_IRIDIA #HumanRights #GlobalTortureIndex #Brussels

✊🏻 #FacesOfHope: Women just want to defend rights. Instead, they face prison. On International Women’s Rights Day, we amplify the voices of women human rights defenders who are arbitrarily detained for standing up to injustice and fighting for theirs and their communities’ rights. 📢 We will not let them be forgotten. Say their names: Nasta Lojka (Belarus) 🇨🇳 Zhang Zhan (China) 🇻🇳 Can Thi Theu (Vietnam) 🇸🇦 Israa Al-Ghomgham (Saudi Arabia) 🇲🇽 Kenia Hernández (Mexico) Marfa Rabkova (Belarus) 🔗 Join our call. Share their stories: bit.ly/4bweMJI #InternationalWomenDay #WomenJustWantToBeFree #FreeThemNow #WomenHRDs #Belarus #China #Vietnam #SaudiArabia #Mexico @cdhzloficial @ParaKenia @IM_Defensoras @viasna96 @Human Constanta @eeas

On #InternationalWomensDay, we recognise women human rights defenders who expose abuses and support survivors. Many face threats, detention, and gender-based violence, forcing some into exile. Crossing a border does not mean safety. Gender-responsive protection and support are essential so they can rebuild their lives and continue their work. Read our latest blog post here: bit.ly/3NcpiMS

🇹🇩 #Chad: On the occasion of the review of Chad by the United Nations Human Rights Committee, the OMCT and the LTDH publish a report documenting the persistence of torture, enforced disappearances, arbitrary detention and impunity in Chad. 📢 Our organisations call for the abandonment of any attempt to reintroduce the death penalty. Read the report: bit.ly/4cv07j0 @ChadianMFA

🇹🇩 #Tchad: À l’occasion de l’examen du Tchad par le Comité des droits de l’homme des Nations Unies, l’OMCT et la LTDH publient un rapport documentant la persistance de la torture, des disparitions forcées, des détentions arbitraires et de l’impunité au Tchad. 📢 Nos organisations appellent à l’abandon de la réintroduction de la peine de mort. Lire le rapport: bit.ly/3NakHe6 @ChadianMFA

After 16 years of leadership, our Secretary General, Gerald Staberlock, is stepping down from his role. 📢 We are now accepting applications for the position of Secretary General. If you are passionate about advancing our vision of a collective, network-based human rights movement, we warmly invite you to participate in our recruitment process. 🔗 You can submit your application until 3 April 2026: bit.ly/4aTxf2I

Thank you all for the many kind messages and words of appreciation shared following the announcement. We are truly grateful to our partners, colleagues, and friends for your support and for recognizing the important work carried out by our Secretary General over the years. The continued commitment and solidarity of the global anti-torture movement in promoting and protecting human rights worldwide are deeply valued.

After 16 years of leadership, Gerald Staberock is stepping down from his role as Secretary General of the OMCT. The Executive Council has accepted his resignation and will oversee a smooth transition to new leadership to continue advancing the organisation’s mission to combat torture and support human rights defenders worldwide. Message from the OMCT President: bit.ly/4rYQazd Vacancy announcement: bit.ly/3OOALCX

The Charter of Rights of Victims and Survivors of Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment has been released by the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture, Alice Jill Edwards. 🔗 Access the report and Survivors' charter: bit.ly/3PhFcpT

🇲🇽 "The Charter of Rights of Victims and Survivors of Torture represents our voices, our struggles, and our knowledge. It recognizes that victims not only demand justice, but must also take an active role in shaping public policies aimed at preventing and eradicating torture. We call on States and the United Nations system to adopt and integrate this instrument into their policies and actions.” Italia Méndez, torture survivor from México. 🔗 Read our statement: bit.ly/4aYwNPr