|
World Organization Against TortureGlobal network fighting against torture and other humans rights violations |
Print version. Published on 202.ip-51-77-231.eu Original: /network/about/ |
Nothing can replace action on the ground, directly in the regions where acts of torture are committed. This understanding has inspired OMCT’s network structure, which preserves the autonomy of NGOs that work in countries affected by violence. OMCT’s main objective, via its International Secretariat, is to link these organisations and to coordinate and support their operations in order to maximise the effectiveness of their action on the ground.
The SOS-Torture Network is thus at the heart of OMCT’s work. It is the most important global network of organisations fighting against torture. At the outset, in 1986, it was composed of 48 NGOs. Today, it counts almost 300 organisations spread around the world.
Integration into the SOS-Torture Network enables NGOs to benefit from logistical and legal support. Based in Geneva, OMCT’s International Secretariat plays the role of the “alert system”. It ensures the broad and immediate transmission of cases of torture[1] that are reported on the ground. Local NGOs are inherently better placed to judge the truthfulness of reported cases of torture and to evaluate the best means to fight it. But the capacity to act is often limited by a lack of means and an only partial knowledge of various international treaties.
Participation in the SOS-Torture Network offers NGOs a modern and reliable communication tool that is able to quickly disseminate information on cases of torture. OMCT specialists train local leaders. They offer assistance to local NGOs in their legal procedures, notably in procedures that are launched with international institutions. The network approach also enables the sharing and exchanging of experiences between various NGOs. Moreover, Network membership represents a source of protection for NGO members working on the ground.
The development of the Network is one of OMCT’s main priorities. To respond to the growing need to fight against torture, it is essential to integrate new credible organisations, especially in emerging societies and in all countries confronted to serious human rights violations. This development is particularly necessary in order to maintain the flux of relevant information from the field.
OMCT favours affiliation with NGOs that are active in under-represented countries, or in regions that are affected by an increasing number of violations. For many years now, OMCT has been conducting programmes on the defence of human rights for specific groups (e.g., women, children, human rights defenders). This strategy allows OMCT to integrate more NGOs that are active in the defence of the rights of specific groups.
Member NGOs pay an annual fee. The sum can be reduced to a symbolic amount or can be converted into an exchange of services if the NGO can justify such a request.
[1] The notion of “torture” also includes summary executions, arbitrary detentions, psychiatric internment for political reasons and other cruel, inhuman or degrading punishment or treatment as per Article 1 of the United Nations’ Convention against Torture.