Thread by @Omega_RF

On this day in 1981, the @_AfricanUnion's African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights was adopted in Nairobi, Kenya. The #BanjulCharter outlines #HumanRights & fundamental freedoms, including the prohibition of #Torture (see Article 5).

Addressing the #TortureTrade is an essential part in prohibiting & preventing torture. Building on the #BanjulCharter & the #RobbenIslandGuidelines (see particularly RIG 14),...

...the @achpr_cadhp #CPTA's 2020-21 priority theme is "the prohibition of the use, production and trade of equipment or substances designed to inflict torture or ill-treatment." (as noted recently in their #InternationalDayAgainstTorture statement: tinyurl.com/bfkz7x7n)

In December 2020, the @achpr_cadhp adopted a Resolution on the prohibition of the use, production, export and trade of tools used for torture (ACHPR/Res.472 (LXVII) 2020) (tinyurl.com/15jxmnlc), which explicitly recalls State obligations under the #BanjulCharter.

Our (@Omega_RF) article on preventing the #TortureTrade in Africa the was published in the April 2021 edition of the #CPTA's Africa Torture Watch newsletter: tinyurl.com/4ue9w7f6

This article includes info on different types of weapons & equip: inherently abusive (like body-worn electric shock), as well as other kinds of equipment that is misused for #Torture & ill-treatment (such as batons). More info on weapons is on our website: tinyurl.com/ehnmkh2e

In addition to the Resolution & newsletter article, @Omega_RF has been working with the #CPTA on a longer thematic report (forthcoming!) on the production, trade, & use in tools of torture in Africa.

On the anniversary of the #BanjulCharter's adoption, we acknowledge the vital & ongoing work of the @_AfricanUnion, @achpr_cadhp, & #CPTA, as well as all of our colleagues working to promote & protect #HumanRights in Africa.
Video from @LRCSouthAfrica: tinyurl.com/3sjtdfaj