Fighting trade in tools for torture and executions

‘EU Legislation in Progress’ briefings aim to provide Members of the European Parliament with systematic and automatic analysis on all substantial proposals for EU legislation at every stage of the legislative procedure. Each contains an account of the purpose, content and legal aspects of the legislation proposed, in particular analysing what the legislation would change, as well as any previous legislation and the background. An overview of stakeholders’ views is also provided, as well as the opinions of national parliaments and the two advisory committees.

They are all made publicly available for stakeholders and the public.The EU is committed to fighting torture and use of the death penalty throughout the world. Both phenomena continue to afflict a significant number of countries, and trade in torture tools is booming. One of the most important measures taken by the EU has been its 2005 Regulation imposing restrictions in trade in torture tools.

Despite some visible effects, it has been repeatedly criticised for loopholes which allow trade in goods that could be used for torture, executions and other ill-treatment, as well as related activities like brokering or advertising such goods to continue.

Responding to a 2010 European Parliament resolution, the European Commission adopted a legislative proposal to amend the Regulation in 2014. The proposal was criticised by civil society organisations fighting torture since it did not address all potential loopholes.

The EP's International Trade Committee proposed several amendments aiming to further restrict the trade in torture tools and the provision of related services. The final compromise, adopted after three trilogue meetings, reflects most of INTA’s proposals, and needs now to be confirmed by plenary.

This Briefing updates a previous edition of April 2016.

Author: Ionel Zamfir

EP: EPRS: Briefing: EU Legislation in Progress http://epthinktank.eu/eu-legislation-in-progress/

ESO: Background information: Anti-torture rules: Trade MEPs call for bans on goods marketing and EU transit http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-anti-torture-rules-trade-meps-call-for-bans-on-goods-marketing-and-eu-transit/

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