“With licence to prevent”: Reflections on Malcolm Evans’ book on torture prevention

Abstract

During the years that have passed since the adoption of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment in 2002, a treaty aiming at strengthening and systematising the prevention of torture and ill-treatment through preventive visits, important publications have seen the light of day, providing legal as well as practical frameworks to these endeavours. Central here is the practical guide on the role of national preventive mechanisms (NPMs) (OHCHR, Professional Training Series no 212), Carver and Handley’s book (2016) “Does Torture Prevention Work?”, and the many statements and reports issued both by the SPT (Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment) and the CPT (European Committee for the Prevention of Torture). With the publication of Malcolm D. Evans’ book, “Tackling Torture. Prevention in Practice” in 2023, we have a resource for this particular area of work, which is a must. It is a must whether one is participating in monitoring work – on a national or international level, engages in a legal, health or community context with persons deprived of liberty, as a student or professional, or as one defending human rights in our societies, as activists and civil society organisations, or just plainly interested in the topic.