Public event on Interrogation & Torture

Today we stand at a unique moment. Two novel and significant developments unfurl on interrogation and torture that call for our distinct attention:

1. For the first time there is scientific research into the most effective interrogation techniques, and it shows—unsurprisingly—non-coercive methods to be the most successful for gaining reliable and accurate information;

2. Efforts are currently being made to integrate this new science and effective practice into international law and global policing initiatives.

To explore these novel and historic advancements, a public event is planned for Human Rights Day and the 35^th anniversary of the adoption of the UN Convention Against Torture, 10 December 2019. Moreover, this event coincides with the release of an edited book that has been structured to capture these two unfolding developments: “Interrogation and Torture, Integrating Efficacy with Law and Morality”.

PROGRAM :

PRESENTATION OF THE OUTCOMES OF THE BOOK (Science, Practice, Law and Morality)

Mark Fallon (Book Editor, Fmr. NCIS Deputy Assistant Director), Susan Brandon (HIG Research Program), Gloria Gaggioli, Steven J. Barela (Book editors)

EXTERNAL PERSPECTIVES (Academic, Practice, State)

Frédéric Bernard (UNIGE), Gerald Staberock (World Organisation Against Torture) and Kaspar Grossenbacher (Human Rights Policy Office FDFA)

COFFEE BREAK

A TORTURE SURVIVOR’S PERSPECTIVE

Sami El-Haj (Director of Aljazeera Centre of Public Liberties & Human Rights Centre)

KEYNOTE SPEECH

Nils Melzer (United Nations Special Rapporteur on Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment)

PANEL DISCUSSION: TOWARDS RAPPORT-BASED INTERROGATION

Steven J. Barela (moderator), Gregg Bloche (Law and Public Health at Georgetown University), Mark Fallon (Book Editor, Fmr. NCIS Deputy Assistant Director), Barbara Bernath (Association for the Prevention of Torture), Teis Brüel Birkegaard, (Permanent Mission of Denmark), Shane O’Mara(Experimental Brain Research, Trinity College Dublin)

COCKTAIL RECEPTION