Restraints 1.11 THUMB CUFFS AND FINGER CUFFS Key Technical Features Designed to restrict hand movement by holding thumbs or fingers in a fixed position. Some models of thumb cuffs are serrated on the inner edge There is a high risk of injury to thumbs or fingers from excessive pressure, of fracture of delicate bones, and of nerve damage. Human Rights Concerns There is a risk of secondary injury from falls, as the person restrained would be unable to break their fall. Their use can help facilitate torture or other ill-treatment (especially when used to restrain a person in stress positions). Thumb and finger cuffs are inherently degrading and fulfils no legitimate law enforcement purpose that cannot be achieved through less harmful means. Statements and Standards from Human Rights Bodies Examples of Existing Controls Special Rapporteur on Torture: thumb cuffs are examples of "inherently cruel, inhuman or degrading weapons". 51 Nelson Mandela Rules: “The use of ... instruments of restraint which are inherently degrading or painful shall be prohibited.” 52 The EU Anti-Torture Regulation prohibits the trade in this equipment. The US CCL controls the export of this equipment. Manufacture should be prohibited. Proposed Control Transfer should be prohibited. Use should be prohibited. UN HRC, Report of the Special Rapporteur on Torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, Thirty-fourth session 14 February 2017, A/HRC/34/54, para 51. 51 52 Nelson Mandela Rules, 2016, Rule 47. 31