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Thematic

axes...
The core themes that
structure our vision

Systematic documentation of human rights violations is essential for understanding patterns of abuse, ensuring accountability, and supporting the protection of vulnerable populations. In contexts where abuses are ongoing or evolving, consistent documentation is a vital tool to inform responses, shape policies, and strengthen efforts to prevent future harm.

Protection from
torture and other forms of cruel, inhumane and degrading treatment

Torture is defined as any act by which severe pain or suffering, whether physical or mental, is intentionally inflicted on a person, for a specific purpose, and inflicted by or at the institution of, consent or acquiescence of a public official or other person acting in an official capacity. OMCT envisions a world free from torture and other ill-treatment in which human dignity prevails.
In the context of migration, the OMCT documented numerous instances of excessive use ,…

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Principle of
non-refoulement

The expulsion of an individual to a country where they face a real risk of torture or other ill-treatment is absolutely prohibited under international human rights law. Under the UN Convention against Torture, the principle of non-refoulement must be applied without discrimination of any kind and regardless of an individual’s legal status under national law. However, OMCT’s research has documented cases in which people on the move were deported to third countries despite credible and documented risks of torture, abuse, or exploitation, in violation of the principle of non-refoulement.

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Rights during
arrest, police custody and detention

Detention is an exceptional measure that may only be imposed under the strict conditions established by international law, and in full respect of the principles of legality, necessity, and proportionality. It may take various forms, including pre-trial detention, post-conviction detention, and immigration detention. International human rights law strictly prohibits arbitrary detention. Detention is considered arbitrary when it is not carried out in accordance with a legitimate purpose or the procedures prescribed by law, or when it is otherwise inappropriate, unjust, unreasonable, or unnecessary in the circumstances.
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Protection from
sexual and gender-based violence

In the context of migration, torture and ill-treatment may take multiple forms, including sexual and gender-based violence. Sexual violence refers to any act of a sexual nature committed against one or more persons by force, threat of force, coercion, or by taking advantage of a coercive environment, and which is carried out without the person’s free and voluntary consent. States have a positive obligation to ensure that their security forces and agents do not engage in acts of sexual violence against people on the move.
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Right to
legal identity

Everyone has the right to recognition as a person before the law. Legal identity is a fundamental prerequisite for the effective enjoyment of human rights, enabling individuals to participate in civic life and to access healthcare, education, employment, social protection, and international protection. OMCT’s research and documentation highlight the significant barriers faced by people on the move in securing and maintaining legal identity and documentation. The findings confirm that the absence of documentation has far-reaching consequences, severely restricting access to rights, protection, and durable solutions, while increasing exposure to exclusion, exploitation, arbitrary treatment, and other human rights violations.
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Access to
economic, social and cultural rights.

Economic and social rights include access to food, housing, healthcare, education, work, social security, water, and sanitation. States must progressively ensure that everyone can fully enjoy these rights. OMCT’s research shows that people on the move often face major barriers in accessing them: they are frequently denied healthcare, children are excluded from education, and many live in precarious informal settlements or unstable housing under constant threat of eviction. They also have limited access to clean water, sanitation, and social protection systems. The denial of these rights can create a torturous environment that amounts to cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment.
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Equality
and non-discrimination

Rise in hate speeches from political representatives have been documented across various regions of the world. These campaigns fuel a xenophobic rhetoric, spread fear and hatred toward people on the move and are a serious threat to social cohesion and the safety of all citizens. In the context of migration, OMCT’s research highlights that people on the move are the target of various forms of hate speech and subject to inter-sectoral discrimination, including racial discrimination.
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Protection of
human rights defenders

Human rights defenders are individuals who, alone or in association with others, peacefully promote, defend, and protect the human rights and fundamental freedoms recognized by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international human rights instruments. In carrying out this work, they are often subjected to reprisals, harassment, and other violations of their rights by both state and non-state actors. Human rights defenders working on the rights of people on the move are particularly exposed to harassment, intimidation, and abusive or unfounded legal proceedings.
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