Global Anti-Torture Evidence (GATE)

Background: The Global Anti-Torture Evidence (GATE) Project was generously funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands through IRCT. It aimed to further the global fight against torture, by using the data collected during the rehabilitation process to prevent torture, prosecute perpetrators and help victims rebuild their lives. Through the provision of rehabilitation support to torture survivors, the project further increased the quantity and quality of data available to support strategic national, regional and international advocacy actions to eradicate torture. In addition, the project supported to measure and improve the impact of their rehabilitation support to the benefit of their clients.

Importantly, the GATE project acknowledged that vulnerable groups, specifically women and girls, are often excluded from reparation processes, the design of prevention programs, and monitoring and reporting procedures. Consequently, they may find themselves exposed to heightened risk of torture. As such, the project incorporated a gender-based approach that sought to ensure equal opportunity for female victims of torture and capture of their clinical information.

Objectives: To increase the use of the Anti-Torture Database (ATD) and the capture of clinical data, enhance knowledge of responsible data management, security and use.

Implementation area: In this project, five centers from Asia (Nepal), Sub-Saharan Africa (Uganda), Latin America (Bolivia) , Europe (Turkey) and the MENA regions (Palestine) were already using the ATD which came together to act as regional hubs and trainers to a further 10 centers (two per region) who were about to start using the ATD. Over a two-year period, these hub centers trained and supported the 10 new centers in the use of the ATD, responsible data management, security and analysis. The data collected from these centers were then applied to a range of strategic advocacy initiatives, locally, regionally and internationally.

Time frame: December 2017 to September 2019

Supported by: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands

Partners: International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims (IRCT)