TY - JOUR

T1 - Forensic medical examination of refugees who claim to have been tortured

AU - Leth, Peter Mygind

AU - Banner, Jytte

PY - 2005/6

Y1 - 2005/6

N2 - The United Nations Convention against torture prohibits repatriation of refugees if there is reason to believe they will be tortured on return to their country. A history of torture is therefore an important factor in making a case for asylum. In this study, the results of the medical examinations of 59 torture victims investigated at the Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Aarhus, Denmark, 1996-2002, are presented and discussed. Variables including age, sex, education, health, torture methods, condition of confinement, torture aftereffects, and findings at the forensic examination were registered in a database (Paradox) and analyzed. In 70%, aftereffects of torture could be documented. These included scars after fixation, burns, incisions, or flogging. Symptoms and signs from joints, muscles, and nerves were common in victims who had been suspended. Many of the victims of phalanga had painful feet and signs of walking impairment. A majority of the victims suffered from posttraumatic stress syndrome. An independent medical report offers an opportunity to evaluate and elaborate the story told by the victim and should be used in disputed cases. We have a duty to protect refugees against torture.

AB - The United Nations Convention against torture prohibits repatriation of refugees if there is reason to believe they will be tortured on return to their country. A history of torture is therefore an important factor in making a case for asylum. In this study, the results of the medical examinations of 59 torture victims investigated at the Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Aarhus, Denmark, 1996-2002, are presented and discussed. Variables including age, sex, education, health, torture methods, condition of confinement, torture aftereffects, and findings at the forensic examination were registered in a database (Paradox) and analyzed. In 70%, aftereffects of torture could be documented. These included scars after fixation, burns, incisions, or flogging. Symptoms and signs from joints, muscles, and nerves were common in victims who had been suspended. Many of the victims of phalanga had painful feet and signs of walking impairment. A majority of the victims suffered from posttraumatic stress syndrome. An independent medical report offers an opportunity to evaluate and elaborate the story told by the victim and should be used in disputed cases. We have a duty to protect refugees against torture.

KW - Adult

KW - Asia, Western

KW - Cicatrix

KW - Denmark

KW - Ecchymosis

KW - Foot Injuries

KW - Forensic Medicine

KW - Hematoma

KW - Humans

KW - Joints

KW - Male

KW - Medical History Taking

KW - Middle Aged

KW - Pain

KW - Peripheral Nerve Injuries

KW - Physical Examination

KW - Prisoners

KW - Refugees

KW - Skin

KW - Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic

KW - Tooth Injuries

KW - Torture

KW - Walking

KW - Yugoslavia

M3 - Journal article

C2 - 15894844

VL - 26

SP - 125

EP - 130

JO - American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology

JF - American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology

SN - 0195-7910

IS - 2

ER -