The United Nations has raised alarm over the display of potentially abusive law enforcement equipment at the Milipol 2025 arms and security trade fair held in Paris from November 18 to 21. UN Special Rapporteur on Torture, Alice Jill Edwards, emphasized the urgent need for enhanced oversight to prevent such items from being marketed globally. Her statement comes in light of findings that included electric shock devices and multi-barrel launchers, which she described as instruments that cause unnecessary suffering and should be banned.
Edwards pointed out that these devices were showcased by companies from various countries, including Brazil, China, and the United States. “The continued promotion of inherently abusive weapons underscores the urgent need for States to adopt my 2023 report recommendations,” she stated. The UN has identified several types of equipment that are considered inherently abusive and have no legitimate purpose other than inflicting harm.
The backdrop to Edwards’ remarks is a long-standing debate about the nature of authoritarian regimes. Former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Jeanne Kirkpatrick, famously categorized right-wing regimes as “friendly” and left-wing regimes as “unfriendly.” This distinction has often been criticized, notably by former Secretary of State Cyrus Vance, who pointed out the absurdity of differentiating between torturers based on political alignment.
Under the EU Anti-Torture Regulation, companies are prohibited from promoting or trading equipment that can be used for torture or ill-treatment. This regulation was first introduced in 2006 and strengthened in 2019, with further expansions occurring in 2025. Dr. Simon Adams, President and CEO of the Center for Victims of Torture (CVT), highlighted the importance of this regulation, stating, “At CVT, we work with traumatized survivors of torture every day. The European Union has been a key partner in the campaign to establish torture-free trade.”
During the Milipol fair, a variety of devices were found that were previously flagged by the UN as abusive. These included direct-contact electric shock weapons, anti-riot shields, and ammunition designed to inflict harm. Despite the presence of these banned items, Edwards noted that swift action was taken by the fair’s organizers to remove them after being notified.
While the timely response at Milipol is commendable, Edwards stressed that regional measures alone are insufficient. “The discoveries made at Milipol show why a global, legally binding Torture-Free Trade Treaty is essential,” she stated. The need for coordinated international regulation is critical, as abusive equipment can easily find new markets and victims.
Edwards urged all organizers of security, defense, and policing exhibitions to ensure robust monitoring and compliance with existing bans. “Milipol’s response was swift and responsible. But the fact that banned items were exhibited at all shows that constant vigilance is essential,” she added.
Torture remains a serious violation of international law, and its prohibition is universal. As the debate continues, the role of various governments and organizations in preventing the trade of torture equipment is more crucial than ever. The efforts to eliminate this trade reflect a broader commitment to protecting human rights and ensuring accountability in law enforcement practices worldwide.
