Derogation from the torture ban is impermissible
Sonya Sceats, Director of Policy & Advocacy at Freedom from Torture, responds to UK government plans to exempt overseas military operations from the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).
"Today's announcement puts a lie to Theresa May's claim that her government will stand up for victims against powerful vested interests.
The Human Rights Act is a safeguard, not only for survivors of torture and families of those battered to death by our armed forces in Iraq and elsewhere, but also for British troops sent into battle without proper steps by the Ministry of Defence to protect their lives.
The Prime Minister knows about these dreadful lapses, because they were legally exposed in the British justice system. She also knows, and surely accepts, that 'derogation' from the torture ban is impermissible under the European Convention on Human Rights.
By papering over violations and attempting to block redress, she commits an injustice against victims and all those working inside the military to ensure our armed forces uphold the highest standards at home and abroad."
