Physicians for Human Rights
Using science and medicine to stop human rights violationsUS Torture
In early 2003, when reports of torture by US military personnel began to surface publicly, PHR committed to investigating allegations of US torture, advocating against its practice and mobilizing health professionals to advocate for an end to these abuses.
As evidence of US national security interrogation practices emerged, it became clear that psychologically abusive methods of interrogation were at the core of US intelligence gathering.
In response to US personnel's systematic infliction of psychological and physical torture against detainees, PHR seeks to restore the US commitment against torture, to ensure humane treatment of detainees, and to protect US health personnel from complicity in mistreatment and harm.
More about PHR's work in stopping torture and bringing about accountability:
>> Psychological and Physical Torture
>> PHR's Papers and Reports on US Torture
>> MA and NY Legislation to Sanction Health Professionals Who Torture
Fighting for the Forgotten (April 14, 2012)
As director of PHR's anti-torture program and as an attorney for Guantanamo Bay detainees, Kristine Huskey has been fighting for basic human rights and social justice since a few months after 9/11, when she took on her first clients. In a Yin Radio interview, Huskey talks about her work and how she manages to stay with it amid the worst of what human beings are capable of.
PHR Experts to Speak at Law Conference on Refugee Crises (March 29, 2012)
Still Waiting for Tomorrow: The Law and Politics of Unresolved Refugee Crises (pdf), a conference in Boston that will explore the scope and consequences of global refugee crises as well as potential policy responses to these crises, will feature PHR experts.
A Doctor's Response to Torture (March 26, 2012)
In the recently released Annals of Internal Medicine, PHR volunteer Dr. Sondra Crosby describes her experience treating a torture survivor who she calls “Rashid.” Kidnapped from a hospital bed and sold for a bounty, Rashid spent 5 years in US custody where he suffered severe beatings, prolonged solitary confinement, sleep deprivation, and rape. All along, he was innocent. (Please note, the below linked article is in PDF format.)
Guantánamo Bay Failures Underline Need For a Humane Touch in the War on Terror (March 22, 2012)
PHR physician evaluator Sondra Crosby's experiences treating Guantánamo Bay detainees highlight the need for a US policy towards terror suspects that upholds human rights.
ICE Struggles to Provide Humane Treatment to Transgender Detainees (May 21, 2012)
Despite the failure of the US to ensure equal rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender citizens, LGBT people around the world still see it as a place where they can live their lives freely and openly, without fear of imprisonment or torture.
Special Rapporteur Mendez Assessing Torture Prohibition Measures in Tajikistan (May 10, 2012)
United Nations Special Rapporteur on Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, Juan Méndez, is currently visiting Tajikistan to assess measures taken by the Tajik government to bring its torture prohibition legislation into compliance with international standards.
House Republicans Set the Wrong Priorities for Immigration Detention (May 9, 2012)
The House Appropriations Committee reverses sensible changes in immigration detention policy in the Obama Administration's budget and allocates over half of ICE's budget for detention and removal.
A Doctor's Response to Torture (April 23, 2012)
In the recent volume of the Annals of Internal Medicine, Dr. Sondra Crosby—a PHR volunteer physician—describes her experience treating a former Guantánamo detainee who she calls “Rashid.” Rashid is a survivor of US torture.
Crucial Senate Hearing on Indefinite Detention Includes PHR Testimony by Dr. Scott Allen (March 2012)
PHR's testimony by Dr. Scott Allen based on important findings from the groundbreaking report, “Punishment Before Justice: Indefinite Detention in the US,” was submitted by Senator Dianne Feinstein at a crucial Senate hearing on indefinite detention.
PHR Condemns President Obama’s Signing of National Defense Authorization Act for 2012 (NDAA) (January 2012)
Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) condemned today President Barack Obama’s signing of the National Defense Authorization Act for 2012 (NDAA). On the eve of 2012, President Obama signed the NDAA into law, making military indefinite detention in America permanent. Although the President’s signing statement expressed “serious reservations” about the provisions, the statement applies only to the current administration and does not impact how future administrations interpret the law.
PHR Calls on President Obama to Veto National Defense Authorization Act for 2012 (NDAA) (December 2011)
PHR today calls on President Barack Obama to veto the National Defense Authorization Act for 2012 (NDAA). The House and Senate conference report does not fix fundamental flaws found in the provisions regarding treatment of terrorism suspects.
NY Anti-Torture Legislation Memorandum of Support (September 2011)
PHR strongly supports New York bill A.6665 (Gottfried) and S.4495 (Duane), “An Act to amend the public health law, the education law and the labor law, in relation to prohibiting participation in torture and improper treatment of prisoners by health care professionals,” which will bar all health care professionals from participating in the torture or improper treatment and interrogation of prisoners, requires health care providers to report torture or improper treatment of prisoners to responsible authorities, and provides whistleblower protections for health care professionals who refuse to undertake prohibited acts and those who participate in investigations of lawbreaking.
Our Work
Broken Laws, Broken Lives
PHR's report details for the first time medical evidence confirming first-hand accounts of men who endured torture by US personnel in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Guantánamo Bay. These men were never charged with any crime. Read More »
Featured Expert
Kristine Huskey, JD
Kristine is responsible for leading PHR’s investigations and reporting on the devastating consequences of torture on individuals, institutions, and society. Read More »
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