Declaration of Tokyo

Declaration of Tokyo - Guidelines for Physicians Concerning Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment in Relation to Detention and Imprisonment

The Declaration of Tokyo, officially known as the Guidelines for Physicians Concerning Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment in Relation to Detention and Imprisonment, is a set of ethical guidelines adopted by the World Medical Association (WMA) in October 1975. The declaration was established in response to the increasing concerns about the involvement of physicians in acts of torture and other forms of inhumane treatments in the context of detentions and imprisonments during the mid-20th century. It aims to guide physicians in maintaining their professional ethics and responsibilities, emphasizing the importance of human rights and the dignity of all individuals.

Background

The Declaration of Tokyo was adopted during the 29th World Medical Assembly held in Tokyo, Japan, in 1975. This period was marked by global political unrest, with numerous reports of human rights violations, including torture and other cruel treatments, emerging from various parts of the world. The medical community faced ethical dilemmas as physicians were often coerced or willingly involved in such practices. The declaration was thus formulated to provide clear ethical guidelines to physicians, reinforcing the principle that medical professionals must not partake in or facilitate torture and inhumane treatments.

Key Provisions

The Declaration of Tokyo outlines several key provisions for physicians, including:

• Physicians shall not participate in, facilitate, or otherwise be complicit in torture or other forms of cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment.
• The obligation of physicians to provide medical care to all individuals impartially, without discrimination.
• The duty of physicians to maintain confidentiality of patient information, even under threat, unless required to do so by law.
• The responsibility of physicians to document and report cases of torture or inhumane treatment to relevant authorities, while respecting patient confidentiality.
• The importance of ensuring that medical examinations of detainees are conducted in private and under conditions that respect the dignity of the individual.

Impact and Criticisms

The Declaration of Tokyo has had a significant impact on the medical profession and the broader human rights landscape. It has served as a foundational document for subsequent ethical guidelines and declarations related to the role of medical professionals in the context of human rights abuses. However, the declaration has also faced criticisms, particularly regarding its implementation and the challenges in enforcing its provisions. Critics argue that in many cases, physicians continue to be complicit in torture and other forms of abuse, often due to pressure from governmental or military authorities.

See Also

• World Medical Association
• Medical ethics
• Human rights
• Torture
• Geneva Conventions