OMCT Global Torture Index: Alarming Patterns of Police Violence and Systemic Impunity Worldwide

Geneva, 25 June 2025: On the eve of the United Nations Day for Victims of Torture, the World Organization Against Torture (OMCT) launches the Global Torture Index—the first-of-its-kind tool designed to make the risk of torture visible and transform the global fight against torture.

Developed in collaboration with around 90 local civil society organizations and experts with unique, country-specific knowledge—many of whom work directly with torture survivors—the Index debuts with data from 26 countries. It offers the most comprehensive and data-driven insights to date on the risk and reality of torture and other ill-treatment.

Despite 175 countries having ratified the UN Convention Against Torture, torture and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment continue to occur in police stations, prisons, public assemblies, armed conflict, and everyday police operations. The Index brings this ongoing reality to light, equipping policymakers, journalists, and activists with actionable information to drive reform.

Key Global Findings :

• Levels of Risk for Torture: Bahrain, Belarus, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Libya, and the Russian Federation present the highest levels of risk among the 26 countries assessed.

• Political Will: Two countries reviewed—Malaysia and India—have yet to ratify the UN Convention Against Torture, thereby lacking a credible legal framework for the eradication of torture and other ill-treatment.

• Police-Related Deaths and Injuries: All 26 countries reported deaths and/or injuries caused by police in the past year, including in custody. Frequent cases were documented in Honduras, Argentina, Mexico, and the Philippines.

• Excessive Force at Borders: Libya, Spain, Belarus, Tunisia, and Hungary report frequent excessive use of force by law enforcement, including torture and cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment of migrants. Deaths at border crossings were recorded in Belarus and Tunisia.

• High-Risk Detention: Incommunicado detention—detaining individuals without access to the outside world—is common in 14 countries. Deaths in custody and severe overcrowding (exceeding 120% capacity) are also widespread.

• Children at Risk: In 10 countries, detained children are subjected to physical restraints, degrading searches, and solitary confinement.

• Barriers to Justice: Justice remains elusive for torture victims. In 70% of countries reviewed, victims face lack of recognition, discouragement, or even reprisals for seeking justice. Only two of the 26 countries provide psychological support to torture victims during investigations or trials.

• Human Rights Defenders Targeted: In six countries—Honduras, Cameroon, Libya, Belarus, Colombia, and Ethiopia—defenders are frequently subjected to threats and abuse, including torture. Judicial harassment is widespread, and defenders in 17 countries are regularly targeted through the courts. In the past three years, human rights defenders have been forced into exile in 11 countries, including Honduras, Pakistan, Mexico, Spain, Belarus, Colombia, the Philippines, Togo, Tunisia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Ethiopia.

• Lack of Data: Many countries in the Index shy away from classifying acts as torture, often suggesting that "no data means no torture." Recognizing the risk of torture, and collecting and reporting relevant data, is the essential first step toward prevention.

“The Index is an indicator of the resilience of the rule of law in times of growing authoritarianism, polarization, and inequality,” says Gerald Staberock, Secretary General of OMCT. “It reflects how just, healthy, and safe our societies are”.

“None of the 26 countries—no region, political system, or society—is immune to the temptation of torture,” Verónica Hinestroza, Associate Expert at Omega Research Foundation and Global Torture Index Steering Committee Member. “By providing data and analysis on the risk of torture, we are bringing torture out of the shadows. The Index is not just a measurement tool—it is a wake-up call for governments and societies to act against this prohibited practice ".

“For a start, transparency and independent monitoring are critical to ending torture and impunity. The Index highlights where progress is being made—and where urgent reforms are needed to protect the rights and dignity of all,” adds Dr. Uju Agomoh, Founder and Director of PRAWA and Chair of the Global Torture Index Steering Committee. “We invite all countries reviewed to engage in dialogue on how to improve their laws, policies, and practices to prevent torture and protect their populations.”

“You cannot eradicate torture when those on the frontline are harassed, threatened, or forced into exile for working with survivors,” emphasizes Henri Tiphagne, Executive Director of People’s Watch–HRDA and Index Steering Committee Member. “The Index is a call to protect those who speak out—and to ensure that no one is left behind in the fight against torture.”

The Index reveals that legal reforms, independent and well-resourced oversight mechanisms, availability of official data, and unfettered access to places of detention are urgently needed across the 26 countries reviewed.

For further information or to request an interview, please contact: Francesca Pezzola, Director of Communications, OMCT – fpe@omct.org