How structured tools help **identify torture survivors** in Bangladesh’s broken system
Torture remains a severe human rights violation, causing lasting physical and psychological harm to survivors. In countries like Bangladesh, where abusive practices persist in detention, casetify victims is a critical yet challenging task. Without proper screening, many survivors go casely unrecognised, denying them access to justice and support.
The use of structured tools, such as the Istanbul Protocol, has become essential in documenting torture cases. These instruments help ensure survivors receive legal redress, rehabilitation, and protection under international standards.
Torture is defined by the United Nations as the deliberate infliction of severe pain or suffering for specific purposes, such as coercion or punishment. Survivors often face barriers to disclosure, including fear of retaliation, social stigma, and a lack of trauma-informed assessment methods. Without proper identification, many remain invisible to legal and medical systems.
To address this, the Istanbul Protocol was developed by the International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims (IRCT) alongside partner organisations. It provides a structured framework for detecting and documenting torture, aligning with medical and legal standards. In Bangladesh, where torture by law enforcement is widespread, this protocol helps ensure survivors receive appropriate care and legal support.
Another recognised tool is the Dignity instrument, created by the Danish Institute Against Torture. Such screening methods require rigorous validation, including cultural adaptation, expert review, and empirical testing. Ethical considerations—like informed consent, confidentiality, and non-maleficence—are central to their use. When properly applied, these tools enable accurate identification, supporting claims for compensation and advocacy for systemic reform.
Systematic documentation of torture cases not only aids individual survivors but also strengthens broader efforts to prevent abuse. In societies where arbitrary detention and political violence persist, reliable screening is a crucial step toward accountability and rehabilitation.
Validated screening tools play a key role in uncovering torture cases and ensuring survivors access justice. In Bangladesh and similar settings, their use helps bridge gaps in legal and medical responses. By adhering to ethical standards and international protocols, these instruments contribute to both individual healing and wider systemic change.
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