Secret torture prison is a concern globally. Secret torture prisons, made not only for torturing and killing people within a country but also for prisoners of war and enemy civilians, exist in many countries, but there are differences in cruelty and deaths. According to multiple sources including the British Broadcasting Corporation and Cable News Network, secret torture cells of the Sednaya prison in Syria led to inhumane torture and the deaths of thousands. In addition, there are secret torture prisons in many other countries including, but not limited to, Thailand, Israel, North Korea, Libya, Bangladesh, Lithuania and Cameroon. These facilities are often hidden from public view to avoid accountability and scrutiny — perpetuating a cycle of abuse and impunity — in many countries.
It is notable that there are political, repressive mentality based and other reasons for secret torture prisons, inhumane torture and killings. The desire to extract information from prisoners and enemy combatants and the need to maintain national security by secretly detaining individuals are crucial causes. But the government’s intention to repress the political opposition and civil dissent, the desire to establish a dictatorship and the interest in instilling fear in opposition and enemy combatants are also vital causes of secret torture prisons that are intended to avoid legal repercussions and public backlash, allowing for the use of torture techniques that would otherwise be deemed illegal. Ineffective political institutions, the lack of the rule of law and other causes facilitate the establishment of secret torture prisons in many countries.
Hopefully saying, there are international conventions, national transparency and accountability measures and other steps to address the problem of secret torture prisons. The United Nations Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, which prohibits the use of secret detention facilities for torture, and the Geneva Conventions, which outline protections for prisoners of war and civilians during armed conflicts to prevent the establishment of secret torture prisons, has helped bring positive outcomes. Many countries including Bangladesh, Poland and Thailand later dismantled all or many of the secret torture prisons due to growing criticisms and other reasons. But it remains questionable how much it is possible to effectively address the problem of secret torture prisons in different countries.
The reasons behind the establishment of secret torture prisons and inhumane torture and deaths are not mostly addressed. Moreover, there are loopholes in the steps that lead to ineffective outcomes many times. International conventions including the convention against torture are neither ratified by all countries nor implemented in many countries — even if it is ratified. Additionally, inadequate oversight mechanisms and a lack of international cooperation have hindered efforts to effectively address the issue of secret torture prisons in many countries. There is also a lack of transparency in the investigation process and a failure to hold accountable those responsible for the operation of such facilities for political opponents and prisoners of war.
Though it is difficult to address the problem of secret torture prisons, steps are crucial to prevent them from turning deadly. Emphasis needs to be given to strengthening the mechanisms of implementation and implementing international conventions. Bringing those responsible for inhuman torture and killings to justice, which is often difficult because of political and other causes, is also vital and may be helpful many times. Though it is often argued that the use of secret prisons and torture serves as a deterrent to potential threats, more acceptable ways need to be used to extract information. Increasing transparency and oversight of secret prisons can reduce inhumane torture and killings.
International cooperation and adherence to legal standards can help ensure that secret torture prisons are dismantled and prevented from their operation in many countries. For this, the strengthened role of international organizations and human rights groups is vital. Among others, improving political institutions, addressing the causes of political conflicts, addressing the reasons for international conflicts and the promotion of human rights are vital and can help reduce secret torture prisons in many countries.
