The United Nations has intensified its call for a global ban on torture equipment following alarming discoveries made at the Milipol 2025 arms and security trade fair held in Paris from November 18 to 21. UN Special Rapporteur on Torture, Alice Jill Edwards, highlighted the need for rigorous oversight of security and policing trade fairs to prevent the promotion and sale of inherently abusive law enforcement equipment.
During the event, items such as direct-contact electric shock devices and multi-barrel launchers were found on display. Edwards stated, “Direct-contact electric shock devices, multiple kinetic impact projectiles and multi-barrel launchers cause unnecessary suffering and ought to be banned.” She urged a blanket prohibition of such equipment across all 27 EU Member States and globally.
Concerns Over Torture Equipment at Milipol 2025
The Milipol 2025 fair showcased various items previously identified by the UN as “inherently abusive.” This included electric shock weapons, spiked anti-riot shields, and ammunition designed to inflict harm. These products were exhibited by companies from countries including Brazil, China, France, and the United States.
Under the EU Anti-Torture Regulation, enacted in 2006 and strengthened in 2019, companies are prohibited from promoting or trading equipment used for torture. In 2025, the EU expanded the list of banned items, which now includes aerial systems capable of dispersing chemical irritants. Despite this, companies were reportedly marketing drones equipped with multi-barrel launchers at the fair.
Dr. Simon Adams, President and CEO of the Center for Victims of Torture (CVT), emphasized the need for stricter controls. He stated, “Torture is a crime under international law and illegal everywhere and at all times. Companies should not be able to market and trade goods that are routinely abused by security forces to commit human rights violations.”
Urgent Need for International Regulation
Following the fair, Milipol organizers acted swiftly by demanding companies remove promotional materials for the banned items. Edwards noted that one state-owned company refused to comply, resulting in its stall being shut down. “The continued promotion of inherently abusive weapons underscores the urgent need for States to adopt my 2023 report recommendations,” she added.
While the EU has taken steps to strengthen regulations, Edwards asserted that regional actions are insufficient. She called for a global, legally binding Torture-Free Trade Treaty to prevent the proliferation of abusive equipment. “Without coordinated international regulation, abusive equipment will simply find new markets, new routes and new victims,” she warned.
Edwards urged all organizers of security and defense exhibitions worldwide to enforce bans strictly and cooperate with independent investigators. “Milipol’s response was swift and responsible. But the fact that banned items were exhibited at all shows that constant vigilance is essential,” she remarked.
This ongoing dialogue reflects a growing recognition of the need to address the ethical implications of the arms trade, particularly concerning items that can facilitate human rights violations. The UN continues to advocate for policies that would safeguard against the use of torture and enhance the protection of human dignity.
