Unit:
Κατεύθυνση Διεθνής Ιατρική-Διαχείριση Κρίσεων ΥγείαςLibrary of the School of Health Sciences
Author:
Eleftheriadi Dimitra
Supervisors info:
Ιωάννης Καραβοκυρός, Αναπληρωτής Καθηγητής, Ιατρική Σχολή, ΕΚΠΑ
Εμμανουήλ Πικουλής, Καθηγητής, Ιατρική Σχολή, ΕΚΠΑ
Γεωργόπουλος Σωτήριος, Καθηγητής, Ιατρική Σχολή, ΕΚΠΑ
Original Title:
Βασανιστήρια: αναγνώριση, πιστοποίηση και αποκατάσταση επιζώντων βασανιστηρίων
Translated title:
Torture: identification, certification and rehabilitation of torture survivors
Summary:
One of the saddest chapters in human history is undoubtedly the continued use of torture. It is of particular research interest, in addition to the fact that there are now a multitude of binding texts, which expressly prohibit for any reason or purpose the recourse of public actors to such inhumane practices, humanity has not been freed from such hideous phenomena. The study of this specific issue had been left out of the political debate for several years, even though after the end of World War II (WWII), at least in western countries, this phenomenon had almost disappeared. Following the events of 9/11 and the elevation of terrorism to a major threat to global security, the ticking-bomb scenario came back to surface again causing sharp dichotomy as to whether there is any permissible minimum for the use of torture. The failure to respect International Law during the war against terror unleashed by the West, but also other armed conflicts in several countries set aside the vision of a world without torture, since evidence reveals blatant human rights violations. The need for a more careful study of the phenomenon was intensified by the recent widespread refugee crisis. Especially for a transit country like Greece, highlighting the effects of torture on survivors is of major importance, given that asylum seekers already located in Greek territory, are torture victims. There is now an urgent need to investigate the situation experienced by the survivors in the host country where they are located, as torture does not only cause medical and psychological problems to the victim, but at the same time it is an extremely serious social problem that requires various interventions in general. Can the memories of people who have been tortured be able to be "erased" while enduring miserable living conditions? Can trauma recovery be achieved when survivors are constantly asked to describe their experience? How important immediate recognition and certification are so they can start their lives over in a foreign country with all that entails? These are some of the issues that are raised in this case for analysis.
Main subject category:
Health Sciences
Keywords:
Torture, Torture Victims, Istanbul Protocol, War on Terror, Ticking-Bomb Scenario.
Number of references:
100
