Overall objective of
the project is the world without torture where perpetrators are brought to
justice and torture survivors fully enjoy their human rights.
Torture represents one
of the most serious crimes against humanity and dignity of a person. Person who
is tortured is being dehumanized and treated like an object or an animal.
Torture is an extreme, interpersonal trauma, which leaves scars on victim’s
psychological and physical health, on his family and friends and on the society
in general. Actions directed towards eradication of torture must encompass
three interrelated and mutually reinforcing elements - prevention of torture
and other forms of ill-treatment, accountability for torture and other ill
treatment and rehabilitation of torture victims.
To contribute to
overall objective applicants will implement activities with the purpose to:
- Form chain of empowered stakeholders
to efficiently advocate (for UN CAT recommendations), monitor (places of
detention) and report on torture and ill treatment.
- Properly document cases of torture
and keep perpetrators accountable.
- Provide wide scale of comprehensive
rehabilitation services including medical, psychological and legal assistance
for victims of torture settled in Serbia and North Macedonia.
Specific objective is
to contribute to effective prevention of torture, fight against impunity and
healing from consequences of torture in the Balkans.
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