"The object of persecution is persecution. The object of torture is torture. The object of power is power. Now you begin to understand me."
-George Orwell, 1984
What is Torture?
Torture is "the action or practice of inflicting severe pain on someone as a punishment or to force them to do or say something, or for the pleasure of the person inflicting the pain" (OxfordDictionaries). According to Article Five of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights "NO one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment". Despite this being declared a universal human right, about 90% of the world's countries practice torture. The thought of torture is just horrible. Torture occurs for many various reasons,including as a method of interrogation. Government agencies use torture on "suspects" in order to get a confession. These confessions are not always reliable and lead to imprisonment of the wrong person. Torture is practiced by many government officials in many nations, including the United States.
Torture is usually hidden - in police lock-ups, interrogation rooms or prisons. So, one of the best ways to prevent this form of torture and make sure the perpetrators can not get away with it, is to bring it into view. In other words:
From The Outset , Detainees Have Access To A Lawyer.
Lawyers Are Present During Interrogations.
Doctors Are On Hand To Examine Detainees.
Detainees Can Have Contact With Their Families.
Confessions Obtained By Torture Can Never Be Used As Evidence.
Anyone Involved In Torture Is Brought To Justice.
A leading activist combating the practice of torture is Susan Monroe, the founder and CEO of the organization, Freedom from Torture, a medical facility located in the UK.
