The International Industry of Law Enforcement Equipment Used for Torture

In this brown bag event Rebecca Shaw from the Omega Research Foundation will discuss the international industry of law enforcement equipment used for torture or other ill-treatment, specifically equipment that is characterized as “less-lethal” (in contrast to firearms). She will outline the players involved, the uncertainties and unknowns about the trade and manufacture of this equipment, and the human rights concerns associated with the different types of equipment that are sold and used around the world. She will describe the categories of equipment that are considered inherently abusive, such as abusive restraints and electric shock batons, as well as law enforcement equipment that is often misused for torture and other ill-treatment, such as standard handcuffs and batons.

This talk is part of an ongoing collaboration between the International Human Rights Clinic and the Omega Research Foundation. Together with a network of non-governmental organizations, the Clinic and Omega are advocating at the United Nations for a “Torture-Free Trade Treaty” to regulate the international trade in law enforcement equipment used for torture and other human rights violations.