What are “diplomatic assurances” against torture?
“Diplomatic assurances” are an increasingly popular way for governments to get around the international ban on torture. They smooth the way for undesirable foreigners to be sent to another country where they will be at risk of torture and other abuse. Because it is illegal to send someone to a country where she or he will be at risk of torture, the sending government first gets a promise from the receiving government that it won’t use torture. Most cases involve foreigners suspected of involvement in terrorism or labeled national security threats. Failed asylum seekers, people being deported following conviction or sentence for ordinary crimes, and people subject to extradition warrants for ordinary crimes have also been threatened with removal based on assurances. Diplomatic assurances take a variety of forms. Some are simply oral promises. Others are written documents, in some cases signed by officials from both governments. The content of the assurances also varies, and assurances a
