United Nations Convention Against Torture
Overview of the International Human Rights Agreement
In the past several decades, the practice of torture by public officials has been condemned by the international community through a number of international treaties and declarations, leading some commentators to conclude that customary international law now prohibits the use of torture by public officials. Perhaps the most notable international agreement prohibiting the use of torture is the United Nations Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (Convention or CAT), which obligates parties to prohibit the use of torture and to require the punishment or extradition of torturers found within their territorial jurisdiction. Since opening…
