UPDATE: The United Nations has issued a stark warning regarding the trade of torture equipment following the alarming findings at the Milipol 2025 arms fair held in Paris from November 18 to 21. UN Special Rapporteur on Torture, Alice Jill Edwards, confirmed that various inherently abusive law enforcement tools were displayed, raising urgent concerns over their promotion and use globally.
Urgent action is needed to prevent the proliferation of these devices, which include direct-contact electric shock weapons and multi-barrel launchers capable of causing severe harm. Edwards emphasized the necessity for rigorous oversight at security and policing trade fairs, stating, “The continued promotion of inherently abusive weapons underscores the urgent need for States to adopt my 2023 report recommendations.”
The disturbing revelations come as the EU Anti-Torture Regulation—introduced in 2006 and strengthened in 2019—strictly prohibits the trade of equipment designed for torture. Despite this, items such as spiked anti-riot shields and ammunition with multiple kinetic impact projectiles were openly promoted by companies from countries including Brazil, China, and the United States at the Milipol event.
Dr. Simon Adams, President and CEO of the Center for Victims of Torture (CVT), voiced strong support for Edwards’ call to action. “This trade in human cruelty should be completely banned,” he declared. “It is grotesque that such products even exist.” He highlighted the direct impact on victims, many of whom are refugees escaping regimes that utilize such equipment for human rights violations.
Edwards reported that after Milipol organizers were alerted to the banned items, swift action was taken, including the shutdown of a non-compliant state-owned exhibitor. However, the fact that these items were present in the first place reveals a critical gap in enforcement and oversight. “Constant vigilance is essential,” she warned.
With the EU taking steps to tighten restrictions, Edwards called for a global, legally binding Torture-Free Trade Treaty to ensure that abusive equipment does not simply find new markets. “Without coordinated international regulation, abusive equipment will simply find new markets, new routes, and new victims,” she cautioned.
The findings at Milipol serve as a wake-up call for nations to strengthen their commitment to preventing torture and protecting human rights. As the international community grapples with these revelations, the spotlight remains on ensuring that the trade in torture-related equipment is effectively halted.
As this situation continues to develop, the UN urges all organizers of security exhibitions worldwide to implement robust monitoring and cooperate fully with independent investigators to eliminate the trade of torture devices. The implications of this issue resonate deeply, highlighting the urgent need for global action to safeguard human dignity and uphold international law.
Stay tuned for further updates on this critical issue as authorities respond to these alarming findings.