Holistic Action against Torture

Overall objective of the project is the world without torture where perpetrators are brought to justice and torture survivors fully enjoy their human rights.

Specific objective is to contribute to effective prevention of torture, fight against impunity and healing from consequences of torture in the Balkans.

The objectives of the action will be achieved through a model encompassing three interrelated and interacting domains of activity clusters—prevention, accountability and rehabilitation cluster.

Expected results:

1) Relevant stakeholders informed and included in implementation of recommendations of UN CAT

2) 2 Shadow reports prepared and presented before UN CAT in Geneva

3) Police officers increased their knowledge on International and National standards for prevention of torture

4) Raised awareness of general public about problems of torture victims

5) Further strengthening of capacities of Ombudspersons office through monitoring visits of closed institutions

6) Medical and legal staff gained knowledge on the use of Istanbul Protocol and adequate documentation of cases of torture

7) Torture or ill-treatment survivors represented before the court and cases are supported with forensic evidence

8) Centre for Rehabilitation of Torture Victims established in FYROM and its staff members build capacities for provision of rehabilitation services for torture survivors

9) Efficient holistic rehabilitation (counselling, medical, legal and social) provided to torture survivors and their family members in Serbia and FYROM

10) Report on research conducted among refugees and asylum seekers shared with relevant stakeholders and disseminated to general public

11) Women victims of torture or family members empowered through self-support groups and different workshops

Activities:

I Prevention activities include: advocacy for implementation of UN CAT recommendations; advocating through Shadow report before UN CAT; Trainings for police staff; Providing support to NPM; Commemoration of UN Day in Support to Torture Victims; Raising awareness on importance of early identification of torture victims among refugees and asylum seekers

II Accountability activities include: Provision of legal support and forensic examinations and Trainings on Istanbul protocol and UN Convention against Torture for legal and medical staff.

III Rehabilitation activities include: Establishment of the Macedonian Centre for Rehabilitation of Torture Victims; Holistic rehabilitation of torture victims; Capacity building of women torture survivors and women members of their families; and Research on mental status and early identification of torture victims among refugees and asylum seekers.

Project is implemented in partnership with Centre for human Rights Nis and Centre for Civic Initiatives, Prilep, FYROM.

Donor:
European Comission

Project duration: 1st January 2018 – 31st December 2020

Contact person: Tijana Jovanović-Dačić tijanaeror@gmail.com