Protect the Protest
We need governments all over the world to vote yes on a Torture-Free Trade Treaty at the United Nations.
Progress happens when we come together to demand change. We should be able to do this without fear of being harmed, hurt, or even killed by the misuse of policing equipment.
Across the world, peaceful protesters face waves of repression from police and military forces in deliberate attempts to crush dissent. While less lethal weapons like tear gas, rubber bullets, pepper spray, and batons are promoted as safer alternatives to firearms, all too often these weapons are used unlawfully to harass, intimidate, punish, or drive away protesters, undermining their right to peaceful assembly.
Learn More
Amnesty International signs declaration calling for international controls to combat trade in tools of torture (20 Jan 2023)
Less lethal weapons: Unfettered trade in law enforcement equipment fuelling protest violations – new investigation (12 Oct 2023)
Read up on the Essential elements of the Torture-Free Trade Treaty
Read the campaign briefing Protect the Protest! Why we must save our right to protest
Watch a 6 minute video about How Police Are Using Tools of Torture Against Protesters
Top image: Demonstrators gather on 29 November 2019 in the center of the Santiago de Chile, Chile to protest against the abuses of the security forces, including eye injuries from misuse of weapons. Photo by Federico Rotter/NurPhoto via Getty Images.
