The IRCT is delighted to learn that the World Medical Association (WMA) has unanimously adopted a resolution condemning forced anal examinations to substantiate same-sex sexual activity as unscientific, futile, and a form of torture or cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment.
Image Courtesy of Human Rights Watch
The resolution was passed at the WMA’s 68th General Assembly in Chicago. Mary-Lynn Everson from Marjorie Kovler Centre, IRCT’s member in Chicago, represented IRCT at the event.
The IRCT is particularly proud that the resolution draws on the expert statement of its Independent Forensic Expert Group, and acknowledges the Group’s valuable work.
The IRCT welcomes this important resolution, which recognizes the pain and suffering caused by these examinations and joins with the WMA to urge all national medical associations as well as other relevant bodies to prohibit their members’ participation in these futile practices. It is a strong example of how health-based knowledge about torture can contribute to eradicating abusive practices and supporting justice and rehabilitation for victims.
The IFEG is an international hub of expertise, comprising thirty-five preeminent experts from eighteen countries who are specialists in forensic investigation and documentation of torture and ill-treatment. The IRCT serves as its Secretariat.
For more information
For the full text of the resolution
For more information on the IFEG,
https://irct.org/advocacy/istanbul-protocol
For the IFEG’s expert statement, which is cited in the WMA resolution, and for more information on our work against anal examinations,:
https://irct.org/media-and-resources/latest-news/article/926
See also the news story of one of IRCT’s advocacy partners on this issue, Human Rights Watch:
https://www.hrw.org/news/2017/10/17/global-medical-body-condemns-forced-anal-exams