For decades, research and knowledge have been an integral part of DIGNITY’s international efforts to understand and combat torture and violence worldwide. Now the organisation is strengthening this work by forming new international research and learning units.
“I look forward to bringing together efforts around international research and learning in the global work against torture and violence. We must become even better at connecting independent academic research with the practice-based knowledge from our international programmes and making that exchange more strategic and impactful,” says the new Head of International Research and Learning, Tomas Max Martin, and continues:
“At a time when many of the institutions and structures we work with are under extreme pressure, there is a particular need for solid, innovative knowledge that can make a real difference for people who are directly affected by torture and violence.”
Even stronger collaboration with the Global South
A central focus for Tomas Max Martin in building the new unit is to strengthen collaboration with researchers and analysts in the Global South. The aim is that new and critical knowledge is more firmly rooted locally and increasingly driven by DIGNITY’s local partners.
“At DIGNITY, we have a particular role to play because, through our network of researchers, civil society partners, international programmes and research projects, we are very close to both the political contexts, everyday practices and the local communities challenged by violence and torture. This is a strength that also gives us a responsibility to place them at the centre.”
About Tomas Max Martin
Tomas Max Martin (born 1970) has been affiliated with DIGNITY as a researcher since 2016, where he has contributed to the organisation’s work in Uganda and Myanmar. Previously, he worked as a project manager at the Danish Institute for Human Rights.
He holds a Master’s degree in Anthropology from the University of Copenhagen, a PhD in Development Studies from Roskilde University, and is the author of research articles and books on prison conditions in the Global South. His most recent research focuses on the relationship between climate change and violence in Uganda.
