Annual Report 2025
07

Police Violence

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United Against Torture Consortium (UATC)

In response to the violent repression of protests and the use of excessive force against those exercising their right to peaceful assembly, the UATC has developed a range of practical tools and resources. These include a policy paper “Protesting without Fear" outlining key measures States should adopt to prevent and address torture and other ill-treatment in the context of protests, and a guidance note for protest monitors to identify common law enforcement weapons, document incidents, and support advocacy and accountability.

Africa

In 2025, OMCT strengthened its response to police violence in Kenya, Tanzania, and Cameroon through coordinated monitoring, litigation, and international advocacy. In Cameroon, OMCT and its partners documented excessive use of force during post-election protests and committed to supporting lawyers and victims in their quest for justice including through international and regional procedures. In Kenya, OMCT and Independent Medico-Legal Unit (IMLU) monitored police brutality during Gen-Z protests, documenting over 400 casualties, including abductions and cases of transnational repression, and provided direct assistance to affected human rights defenders. In Tanzania, OMCT monitored post-election repression, supported local organisations, and engaged in advocacy ahead of the 2026 Universal Periodic Review.

Nepal

In September 2025, Nepal faced its most serious unrest in decades, as youth-led nationwide protests against corruption, shrinking civic space and a social media ban were met with a militarised response, including live ammunition, tear gas and rubber bullets. At least 34 protesters were killed and hundreds injured. OMCT, together with partners from the United Against Torture Consortium (UATC), issued a joint statement warning that the lethal policing of protests and the exposure of children to such force constituted serious violations of international law, including the absolute prohibition of torture and other ill-treatment.

Peru

In Peru, a series of laws that contravene the country’s obligations under international law, together with attacks on judicial independence and the rule of law throughout 2025, ignited multiple waves of social protests. In October 2025, demonstrations were held in several cities across the country in response to widespread public discontent over actions and legislation promoted by the Congress following the removal of former President Dina Boluarte and the appointment of José Jerí as interim President. OMCT denounced the police repression which resulted in 20 people injured, 17 detained, and one man killed.

Türkiye

In 2025, OMCT and partner organisations strongly condemned the violent repression of peaceful protests in Türkiye, where authorities responded to mass demonstrations with unlawful force, including practices that may amount to torture or other ill-treatment, mass arbitrary detentions and the persecution of human rights defenders. Protests followed the detention of over 100 people, including Istanbul’s mayor, Ekrem İmamoğlu, and were met with bans on gatherings, social media restrictions and assaults on human rights defenders. OMCT denounced these violations, called for independent investigations and accountability and organised a workshop for local partners on documenting those violations.

Growing Impunity in Peru: Interview with a Peruvian Human Rights Defender

Tania Pariona Tarqui is an Indigenous Quechua human rights defender and activist from Peru. As she started defending the rights of children and youth during her teenage years, now an advocate for women’s rights across South America, her work is more than ever relevant, not only in Peru, but for the global anti-torture movement. Over the past few months, the country has passed a series of laws that threaten decades of efforts for justice and accountability. In this interview, she tells us all about the state of human rights in Peru and what these laws will mean for human rights defenders and victims of torture and ill-treatment.

Watch the Video