What are the example of physical torture?

Physical torture also includes being deprived of food, water, or being force-fed food, excrement or drugs. Sometimes, certain forms of physical torture are referred to as ‘positional torture’ or ‘stress positions’.

Is torture allowed as a form of punishment?

Section 2340A of Title 18, United States Code, prohibits torture committed by public officials under color of law against persons within the public official’s custody or control. Torture is defined to include acts specifically intended to inflict severe physical or mental pain or suffering.

Does torture qualify as a jus cogen?

As one of the most universally recognized human rights, the prohibition of torture has attained status as a jus cogens or peremptory norm of general international law, also giving rise to the obligation erga omnes (owed to and by all States) to take action against those who torture.

Who is liable for torture?

12. Criminal Liability. – Any person who actually participated or induced another in the commission of torture or other cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment or who cooperated in the execution of the act of torture by previous or simultaneous acts shall be liable as principal.

What is it like to be tortured?

Torture can harm not only the victim but the perpetrators as well. After the fact, perpetrators will often experience failing mental health, PTSD, suicidal tendencies, substance dependency and a myriad of other mental defects associated with inducing physical or mental trauma upon their victims.

What does torture do to a person?

Torture victims face a range of devastating long-term consequences. The physical and psychological pain inflicted on them can lead to chronic pain and disabilities, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression.

When should torture be allowed?

or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (1984)



No exceptional circumstances such as a state of war or a threat of war, internal political instability or any other public emergency may be invoked as a justification for torture.

Is psychological torture a crime?

The Convention against Torture explicitly prohibits the infliction of severe physical or mental (or psychological) suffering.

Where is torture most common?

Since launching its Stop Torture campaign in May 2014, Amnesty International has issued reports on torture in Mexico, Morocco, Nigeria, the Philippines and Uzbekistan. The reports show that torture is a frequent event in these countries, while the perpetrators of torture continue to enjoy impunity for their crimes.

What is the punishment for mental torture?

Section 498A of IPC



Any such kind of offense is punishable under law and the punishment can be an imprisonment of three years or more and the culprit shall be liable to heavy fines. Further, this offense is non-bailable.

How do you deal with being tortured?

The best way to cope is to speak with your pain. Make pain your friend in an environment in which you have no friends. Use the pain to remind you of who you are. Sleep deprivation poses the most difficult obstacle to overcoming torture.

When should torture be allowed?

or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (1984)



No exceptional circumstances such as a state of war or a threat of war, internal political instability or any other public emergency may be invoked as a justification for torture.

Is torture legal anywhere?

The use of torture is completely prohibited by international law. However, many countries still employ torture methods. Read our guide to learn more about where these human rights violations happen.

What is legally considered torture?

‘Torture’ means the intentional infliction of severe pain or suffering, whether physical or mental, upon a person in the custody or under the control of the accused; except that torture shall not include pain or suffering arising only from, inherent in or incidental to lawful sanctions.

Is torture against human rights?

The Human Rights Act states that a person must not be tortured or treated in a way that is cruel, inhuman or degrading. This includes not being subjected to medical or scientific treatment unless the person has given their full, free and informed consent.

Where is torture most common?

Since launching its Stop Torture campaign in May 2014, Amnesty International has issued reports on torture in Mexico, Morocco, Nigeria, the Philippines and Uzbekistan. The reports show that torture is a frequent event in these countries, while the perpetrators of torture continue to enjoy impunity for their crimes.

What is the punishment for mental torture?

Section 498A of IPC



Any such kind of offense is punishable under law and the punishment can be an imprisonment of three years or more and the culprit shall be liable to heavy fines. Further, this offense is non-bailable.