Reference :
V-F-CR-F-04370-A
Date :
26/06/2017
Title :
Old pain, new demons: Thinking torture and dignity today.
Duration :
01:32:32
Confidentiality level :
public
Publication restrictions :
publication without restrictions
Production company :
ICRC
Description :
Panel Discussion with:
Mary Werntz
Prof. Brad Evans
Elaine Scarry
Simona Forti
Jay Bernstein
On 26 June 2017, to mark the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, the ICRC organized a discussion at the Humanitarium, bringing together renowned philosophers to examine the role of torture in contemporary thought and practice. The panel explored torture through the lenses of dignity, evil, and the body in pain. In doing so, the discussion contributed to ongoing debates about the prevalence of torture and the most effective ways to influence and educate on the issue today. This event was part of the ICRC’s Conference Cycle on "Generating Respect for the Law," which aims to emphasize the importance of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and prevention efforts.
The absolute and non-derogable prohibition of torture is a well-established principle of international law. Nevertheless, over the past 15 years, torture and other forms of ill-treatment have re-emerged with renewed intensity. In its detention work, the ICRC has observed an increase in practices such as coercive interrogation techniques and prolonged solitary confinement. Simultaneously, public attitudes have become more permissive toward torture. The ICRC’s landmark 2016 study, People on War, highlights that attitudes toward torture have shifted over the past two decades: torture is increasingly seen as acceptable in the pursuit of security and as an inevitable aspect of war.
In this context, it is crucial to facilitate informed and critical public dialogue about torture. One of the most difficult and complex questions we face today is how to develop a critique of violence that is adequate for our times. Such a critique requires a broad intellectual conversation involving many actors who are ethically committed to combating violence in all its forms. The ICRC’s expertise in working with individuals and communities affected by torture and other forms of violence enables it to shed light on these issues and facilitate discussions that engage a wide audience.
Event organized at the ICRC headquarters by the Law & Policy Forum unit.
Colour/B&W :
colour
SD/HD :
HD
Resolution :
1920 x 1080
Aspect ratio :
16/9
Original material/format :
H264
Best material/format available :
ProRes 422
To obtain other languages or formats, please contact us
