The United Nations has raised urgent concerns over the exhibition of potentially abusive law enforcement equipment at the Milipol 2025 security trade fair in Paris, which took place from November 18 to 21. The UN Special Rapporteur on Torture, Alice Jill Edwards, emphasized the necessity for rigorous oversight to prevent the promotion and trade of items designed for torture and ill-treatment.
At the trade fair, various devices associated with human rights abuses were on display, including direct-contact electric shock weapons, anti-riot shields, and multi-barrel launchers. Edwards highlighted that these items cause unnecessary suffering and should be banned globally. She called for strict adherence to the EU Anti-Torture Regulation, which prohibits the trade of certain equipment used for torture, first enacted in 2006 and strengthened in 2019.
During the fair, a range of products categorized as “inherently abusive” were marketed by companies from countries including Brazil, China, France, and the United States. Notably, some exhibited drones equipped with systems capable of dispersing large quantities of chemical irritants. Edwards noted that the EU has expanded its list of prohibited items, yet the presence of these products at Milipol illustrates the ongoing challenge of enforcing such regulations.
In response to the alarming discoveries, Milipol organizers promptly removed catalog pages from companies that displayed banned items. However, one state-owned company refused to comply, leading to the shutdown of its stall. Edwards remarked on the swift actions taken but underscored the need for continual vigilance to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Dr. Simon Adams, President and CEO of the Center for Victims of Torture, expressed strong support for Edwards’ recommendations. He stated that torture is a crime under international law and urged that companies should not be able to market goods that facilitate human rights violations. The Center, a leading organization in the rehabilitation of torture survivors, collaborates with numerous refugees who have escaped regimes where such devices are routinely used.
Edwards reiterated the importance of a global response, advocating for a legally binding Torture-Free Trade Treaty to regulate the market for law enforcement equipment. She noted that without coordinated international efforts, abusive devices will continue to find new markets and victims.
The concerns raised at Milipol are not isolated incidents but part of a broader issue regarding the marketing of equipment that can be abused by security forces. Edwards called on all organizers of security and defense exhibitions to strengthen monitoring practices, enforce bans effectively, and cooperate with independent investigations to ensure compliance with international standards.
In conclusion, the revelations from the Milipol 2025 trade fair highlight a pressing need for enhanced regulatory frameworks to combat the trade in torture equipment. The ongoing dialogue initiated by the United Nations emphasizes the critical role of international cooperation in safeguarding human rights and preventing abuses in law enforcement practices.
