PDF Format: Lesson series 7: Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment

The Issue

The widespread prevalence of Torture in many Asian societies today is related to the breakdown of the systems of law and order in these societies. In this sense torture must be addressed as one of the central human rights issues, reflecting as it does, the general inability of the law enforcement agencies in a society where torture systematically takes place, to protect or guarantee the rights of its citizens.

Although many countries are signatories to the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the Convention on Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT), there seems to be a tacit tolerance towards and acceptance of torture in various forms.

The Lessons