The 142 members of the IRCT - the International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims - around the world.

Some 4,000 non-forensic physicians, 1,000 prosecutors and 500 judges will also learn how to evaluate medical reports in suspected torture cases and ensure that they are used correctly in legal proceedings.

Each year, IRCT centres and programmes commemorate the UN International Day in Support of Victims of Torture through events that highlight the importance of preventing torture and providing rehabilitation to torture survivors. Previously, the IRCT had two 30-second television spots produced: “You can do something to stop torture” and “Let’s erase torture”. We are looking to expand our portfolio of TV spots by sponsoring a short-film competition. Anyone with an interest in helping to promote the vision of the IRCT is welcome to enter.

Since its premises were destroyed by Israeli bombs on 30 December the Gaza Community Mental Health Programme (GCMHP) – a member of the International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims (IRCT) – has been unable to provide care to an ever increasing number of traumatised civilians. Another IRCT member centre in Gaza, the Jesoor Organization, is also unable to operate due to the security situation.

The IRCT condemns the attack on Drs Adly and Hamed in the strongest possible terms

The Istanbul Protocol, which has been endorsed by the UN, provides the first set of internationally recognised guidelines for medical and legal experts on how to determine whether a person has been tortured and establish independent valid evidence that ca