No deals on torture

In the context of the “war on terror”, states have sought to return detainees to countries where they are at risk of torture and other ill-treatment.

They have sought and accepted “diplomatic assurances” from Algeria, Egypt, Jordan or Tunisia that those individuals will not face human rights violations on their return.

These assurances on torture have in certain cases proven to be unreliable, with drastic consequences for the individuals involved.

Diplomatic assurances are also unenforceable and blatantly discriminatory. They are not worth the paper they are written on.

Amnesty International opposes the use of diplomatic assurances in these circumstances as they threaten to weaken the international prohibition of torture and other ill-treatment, in particular, the absolute and unconditional obligation not to return any person to a country where they risk torture or other ill-treatment.