Yesterday and today I was in Geneva to prepare the 13 October MEA ceremony with our partner the City of Geneva. I used the occasion to go and greet the new Secretary General of the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT), the principal global coalition of anti-torture organizations. As from 1 September 2011, Gerald Staberock succeeds Eric Sottas who had led the organisation since its inception in 1985 and who is taking his extremely well-deserved retirement.
Eric Sottas is the quintessential international human rights worker, constantly in touch with the human rights defenders at the local level and keeping a steady eye on the ever-changing global scene . He made sure the organisation stayed steadfast in the fight against torture, resistant to pressure and intransigent in the face of what was fashionable, initiated studies that provoked reflection on the subject of torture” said Mr Yves Berthelot, OMCT President.
Gerald Staberock, who joined the OMCT nine months ago, bring his own wide experience in anti-torture and rule of law reforms in transition countries. His special interest in the debate on torture and counter-terrorism over the last ten years will serve him well. ” Upon starting his job Gerald Staberock stressed that “The absolute prohibition of torture is challenged today through lack of respect and a pervasive culture of impunity in many parts of the world. At the same time there are opportunities not least through the transitions of the Arab spring to advance the fight against torture. This is the time to double the effort, to assist and support victims of torture, to ensure accountability and prevent torture, and to counter public complacency in the face of torture.
Gerald Staberock, born on June 13, 1968 in Tübingen, Germany, led for eight years different global programs at the International Commission of Jurists , including its Centre for Judges and Lawyers and its Global Security and Rule of Law Initiative. In this context he coordinated the most comprehensive global study on counter-terrorism and human rights . Before joining the ICJ he worked at the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) on rule of law and anti-torture projects, including on penitentiary and legal reforms in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union.
Hans Thoolen on Human Rights Defenders and their awards 
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