UN Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture
01 January 2011
UN Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture
This project implemented by the ERRC aims to provide legal assistance to victims of torture and members of their family in various countries. In 2011, under the project the ERRC is providing direct legal assistance for Romani victims of torture in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Ukraine and the Russian Federation. These cases concern ill-treatment and/or unlawful killing of Roma by state actors, including police and medical personnel. All cases aim at seeking redress for victims, reducing impunity and eliminating torture.
In all cases, legal assistance is provided by ERRC lawyers working closely with local counsel in domestic litigation. Many cases result in applications to international fora, such as the European Court of Human Rights or UN treaty bodies.
The project activities include:
- Litigating cases of torture through domestic levels and international fora;
- Engagement of the forensic expertise of medical doctors and pathologists to determine the cause of death or injury in cases of torture;
- Research and writing on violations of international law by State parties to be submitted in cases at international level;
- Follow-up advocacy and litigation on the implementation of positive decisions from previous cases, including prosecution of perpetrators and compensation for victims.
The project is funded by the UN Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture.
For more information, contact Judit Geller: judit.geller@errc.org
