Protection against torture in Europe: Are there exceptions?

Abstract

La prohibición de la tortura constituye un pilar básico de la protección de los derechos humanos. Se trata de una norma imperativa de Derecho internacional General o norma de ius cogens que la jurisprudencia del Tribunal Europeo de Derechos Humanos (TEDH) intenta proteger con carácter absoluto. Este capítulo examina la conducta del interesado y las llamadas garantías diplomáticas como posibles excepciones y las confronta con los límites establecidos por las sentencias del TEDH.

This article could be relevant for the protection of human rights in Europe. European States have the right and duty to protect their citizens against terrorist attacks. Though they have accepted that their actions in combating terrorism must be carried out in conformity with International Law, there is evidence that their measures and practices threat the effective enjoyment of human rights. It is absolutely necessary to develop a system totally respectful with obligations regarding human rights. In this regard, the European Convention on Human Rights has established a prohibition to return a person to a country where he or she fears torture, inhuman or degrading treatment. This text examines whether there are exceptions to the prohibition of torture and if they are admissible. For this purpose, special attention will be paid to recent contributions of the European Court of Human Rights Court of Strasbourg. Its case law has been progressively giving shape to the prohibition against torture.