12-Point Programme for the Prevention of Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or
Degrading Treatment or Punishment by Agents of the State
3
8. No use of statements extracted under torture or other ill-treatment
Governments should ensure that statements and other evidence obtained through torture or
other ill-treatment may not be invoked in any proceedings, except against a person accused of
torture or other ill-treatment.
9. Provide effective training
It should be made clear during the training of all officials involved in the custody,
interrogation or medical care of prisoners that torture and other ill-treatment are criminal acts.
Officials should be instructed that they have the right and duty to refuse to obey any order to
torture or carry out other ill-treatment.
10. Provide reparation
Victims of torture or other ill-treatment and their dependants should be entitled to obtain
prompt reparation from the state including restitution, fair and adequate financial
compensation and appropriate medical care and rehabilitation.
11. Ratify international treaties
All governments should ratify without reservations international treaties containing safeguards
against torture and other ill-treatment, including the International Covenant on Civil and
Political Rights and its first Optional Protocol; and the UN Convention against Torture, with
declarations providing for individual and inter-state complaints, and its Optional Protocol.
Governments should comply with the recommendations of international bodies and experts on
the prevention of torture and other ill-treatment.
12. Exercise international responsibility
Governments should use all available channels to intercede with the governments of countries
where torture or other ill-treatment are reported. They should ensure that transfers of training
and equipment for military, security or police use do not facilitate torture or other ill-treatment.
Governments must not forcibly return or transfer a person to a country where he or she would
be at risk of torture or other ill-treatment.
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This 12-point programme sets out measures to prevent the torture and other ill-treatment of
people who are in governmental custody or otherwise in the hands of agents of the state. It was
first adopted by Amnesty International in 1984, revised in October 2000 and again in April
2005. Amnesty International holds governments to their international obligations to prevent
and punish torture and other ill-treatment, whether committed by agents of the state or by other
individuals. Amnesty International also opposes torture and other ill-treatment by armed
political groups.
Amnesty International 22 April 2005
AI Index: ACT 40/001/2005