The Torture Roads
Our research confirms that torture and other ill-treatment are prevalent at all stages of the migration journey, in countries of origin (often as a triggering factor for flight) and along the migration route, at the hands of State and private actors.
There is a lack of official data regarding the proportion of people on the move who have suffered torture and other ill-treatment. According to UNHCR however, between 5% and 35% of refugees globally are torture survivors.57 A 2016 study involving over 12.000 adult participants found that the prevalence of torture survivors amongst migrants in irregular situations ranged between one and 76%, with the median being 27%.58 The United Nations Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture (UNFVT)59 notes that in 2020, approximately 48% of torture survivors being supported by the Fund were people on the move.60 While this research has not undertaken a quantitative methodology, the information received in the course of 22 the research undertaken by the Working group indicates a significant proportion of the migrants community having been exposed to torture or ill-treatment along the journey. Even when discounting widespread underreporting – given the many barriers to disclosure faced by torture survivors – these figures raise serious doubts as to the compatibility of current migration control measures with the absolute and non-derogable prohibition on torture and other ill-treatment.
| Full title | The Torture Roads. The Cycle of Abuse against People on the Move in Africa |
|---|---|
| Author | OMCT (World Organisation Against Torture) |
| Publisher | OMCT |
| Year | 2023 |
| Media type | Report / PDF |
| Link | https://www.omct.org/site-resources/files/The-Torture-Roads.pdf |
| Topics | Migration Routes & Transport, Detention, Deportation & Pushbacks, Migrant Labour & Exploitation |
| Regions | All Regions |