UN Warns of Torture Equipment Trade Following Milipol 2025 Fair
UPDATE: Urgent warnings have emerged from the United Nations regarding the trade of torture equipment following the recent Milipol 2025 arms fair in Paris, held from November 18 to 21. UN Special Rapporteur on Torture, Alice Jill Edwards, has called for immediate oversight to prevent harmful law enforcement devices from entering the market, citing alarming findings from the trade show.
Edwards emphasized the need for stricter regulations as evidence surfaced that numerous items, including direct-contact electric shock devices and multi-barrel launchers, were displayed at Milipol. These devices have been identified as causing unnecessary suffering and should be banned globally. “Their trade and promotion should be prohibited across all 27 EU Member States and worldwide,” she stated.
The European Union has made strides in banning certain torture-related equipment since the introduction of the Anti-Torture Regulation in 2006, which was strengthened in 2019. However, the recent discoveries at Milipol highlight ongoing challenges in enforcing these bans. “It is grotesque that such products even exist. This trade in human cruelty should be completely banned,” declared Dr. Simon Adams, President and CEO of the Center for Victims of Torture (CVT).
The UN report revealed that companies from Brazil, China, France, Israel, and others were promoting inherently abusive equipment, including spiked anti-riot shields and ammunition designed for crowd control. This is particularly concerning as many of these items were marketed despite existing bans. Edwards warned that without coordinated international regulation, abusive equipment will simply find new markets and victims.
Following the UN’s notification, Milipol organizers acted swiftly to remove catalog pages and items that violated the regulations. However, one state-owned company refused to comply, leading to the shutdown of its stall. Edwards reiterated the urgent necessity for a global, legally binding Torture-Free Trade Treaty, stressing that regional actions alone are insufficient.
The implications of this issue extend beyond policy; they impact real lives. Many survivors of torture, often refugees from oppressive regimes, suffer daily from the aftermath of such devices. “At CVT, we work with traumatized survivors of torture every day,” Adams noted, emphasizing the human cost of the trade in torture equipment.
Edwards will continue to monitor developments and has called upon all organizers of security and defense exhibitions to implement rigorous monitoring and enforcement of existing bans. “The discoveries made at Milipol show why constant vigilance is essential,” she concluded, highlighting the ongoing fight against the normalization of torture.
As the international community grapples with these critical issues, the spotlight remains on the urgent need for comprehensive action to eliminate the trade of torture devices globally. The situation is developing, and continued attention from officials and advocacy groups is vital to protect human rights.
