Torture

Torture is the deliberate infliction of severe physical or psychological pain or suffering on a person, often as a method of punishment, coercion, or intimidation. It is widely condemned by international human rights law, with the United Nations Convention Against Torture (1984) defining torture as any act by which severe pain or suffering is intentionally inflicted on a person for purposes such as punishment, forced confession, or coercion. The International Criminal Court (ICC) also criminalizes torture under its Rome Statute, classifying it as a grave breach of international humanitarian law.

Historically, torture has been used across cultures and civilizations, often as a tool of state power, religious doctrine, or judicial practice. While its prevalence has declined in many regions, it persists in conflicts, authoritarian regimes, and situations of extreme violence. Common methods include physical abuse (e.g., beatings, burning, hanging), sensory deprivation, sexual violence, and psychological torment (e.g., isolation, sleep deprivation). The severity of torture can vary, but its effects—such as long-term trauma, psychological breakdown, and loss of dignity—are universally recognized as unacceptable.

Torture is prohibited under domestic laws in most countries, though enforcement varies widely. Advocacy groups and human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, document cases of torture, advocate for accountability, and push for reforms. International bodies, such as the UN Human Rights Committee, have ruled that states must prevent torture and provide redress for victims. While progress has been made in raising awareness, challenges remain in holding perpetrators accountable and protecting vulnerable populations from abuse.