Physicians for Human Rights
Using science and medicine to stop human rights violationsTorture Investigations
PHR uses forensic science to investigate, document, and advocate against torture of US-held detainees, and through its Asylum Program, to conduct medical and psychological forensic evaluations of survivors of torture and abuse who seek asylum in the US.
Current Investigations:
Fighting for the Forgotten (April 14, 2012)
As director of PHR's anti-torture program and as an attorney for Guantanamo Bay detainees, Kristine Huskey has been fighting for basic human rights and social justice since a few months after 9/11, when she took on her first clients. In a Yin Radio interview, Huskey talks about her work and how she manages to stay with it amid the worst of what human beings are capable of.
A Doctor's Response to Torture (March 26, 2012)
In the recently released Annals of Internal Medicine, PHR volunteer Dr. Sondra Crosby describes her experience treating a torture survivor who she calls “Rashid.” Kidnapped from a hospital bed and sold for a bounty, Rashid spent 5 years in US custody where he suffered severe beatings, prolonged solitary confinement, sleep deprivation, and rape. All along, he was innocent. (Please note, the below linked article is in PDF format.)
Syria, Bahrain and Middle East unrest - Monday 9 January (January 9, 2012)
An American activist who was refused entry to Bahrain on Sunday said he feared the 20 medics being re-tried for allegedly trying to overthrow the regime would be "scape-goated" by the authorities. Richard Sollom, who had flown in to the country with the intention of observing the medics' retrial today, told the Guardian he hoped international pressure would eventually force the King to quash the charges.
Activist refused entry into Bahrain (January 9, 2012)
Bahrain's government refused to allow an American human rights activist into the country, officials say. On Sunday, officials at the airport turned away Richard Sollom, deputy president of Physicians for Human Rights, who was hoping to observe the trial of 20 medical workers being charged with felonies for providing care for protesters.
Special Rapporteur Mendez Assessing Torture Prohibition Measures in Tajikistan (May 10, 2012)
United Nations Special Rapporteur on Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, Juan Méndez, is currently visiting Tajikistan to assess measures taken by the Tajik government to bring its torture prohibition legislation into compliance with international standards.
Unspeakable Acts: Torture in Burma’s Prisons (February 7, 2012)
Burmese detainees can be subjected to physical and psychological torture, regardless of age, sex, or the official charges held against them. In some cases, this torture has occurred before official charges have been made.
Free Conference: Forensic Evidence in the Fight Against Torture (February 1, 2012)
On February 15-16 stakeholders from around the world will gather in DC to participate in the “Forensic Evidence in the Fight Against Torture” conference, co-sponsored by the International Council for Torture Victims and American University Washington College of Law.
Seeking Answers About CIA Operations in Somalia (September 29, 2011)
Recently, The Nation and The New York Times disclosed that the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) may be involved in the transfer of suspected terrorists to Somalia for detention and interrogation, in violation of US and international law.
Crucial Senate Hearing on Indefinite Detention Includes PHR Testimony by Dr. Scott Allen (March 2012)
PHR's testimony by Dr. Scott Allen based on important findings from the groundbreaking report, “Punishment Before Justice: Indefinite Detention in the US,” was submitted by Senator Dianne Feinstein at a crucial Senate hearing on indefinite detention.
Forensic Documentation of Torture and Ill Treatment in Mexico (December 2008)
PHR documents the Mexican government's historic attempt and ultimate failure to implement international standards of forensic evaluations of torture and ill treatment.
Iraq: Medical Consequences of Interrogation Techniques (May 2004)
US government officials continue to classify certain acts as permissible under the Geneva Conventions; in response to this, PHR has issued the following guiding principles to clarify the US government's legal obligations with regard to interrogations, to help ensure that interrogators prevent and account for acts of torture and/or ill treatment of detainees, and to make clear the health consequences of all forms of torture and ill treatment, including so-called stress and duress coercive techniques.
Featured Investigation
Honduras: Constitutional Crisis and Coup D’état (2009)
In 2009, Honduran President Zelaya's attempt to reform the constitution was seen as a threat by the military and legislative branch. It was thought Zelaya would attempt to eliminate presidential term limits, so on June 28 he was overthrown in a coup. Read More »
Featured Expert
Scott Allen, MD
Instrumental in PHR's work in stopping torture, Scott was lead author on "Aiding Torture" and "Experiments in Torture", two of PHR's seminal publications. He began his work in health and human rights at the age of 17 in Cambodian refugee camps. Read More »
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