INTRODUCTION: In the context of a world which acknowledges more openly the global risk of torture and other ill-treatment, its absolute prohibition continues to be questioned and attempts are made to justify its use. However, laudable steps have been taken, over the last thirty years, to prevent all abuses in detention but independent evidence of their impact was lacking. Although torture has been the object of numerous studies, none has looked at which measures have the greatest effect in reducing the risk of torture, if at all.

This is why the Association for the Prevention of Torture (APT) commissioned in 2012 an independent academic global research to address the big question: does torture prevention work? It was hoped that such challenging research would promote a better informed public debate, based on objective data and concrete evidence regarding the result of torture prevention measures.

In July 2016, Dr. Richard Carver and Dr. Lisa Handley published the results of their research, “Does torture prevention work?” The study uses a new methodology developed by the authors, combining both quantitative and qualitative methods to assess the impact of torture prevention measures. Research teams applied that methodology in 16 countries in relation to a 30-year period (1985-2014).

The study analyses more than 60 preventive measures and identifies which of them have a particular effect on the occurrence of torture. The global conclusion of the research is that, yes torture prevention works, and that some measures are more effective than others in reducing the risk of torture.

In response, the APT has written this briefing paper to introduce the research, summarise its main findings and highlight the implications of some of the methodological choices made (part I). The briefing paper then presents, in the form of eight messages on torture prevention, key insights based on the main elements confirmed by the research (part II). The briefing paper’s principal target audience is those persons who can make a difference in strengthening the prevention of torture. We hope that this briefing paper will encourage people to read the full study and also contribute to debates and decisions on future policies and actions on torture prevention.