Torture is one of humanity’s most abhorrent crimes — a deliberate assault not only on the body, but on the dignity, identity, and hope of its victims. While it thrives in silence, impunity, and neglect, the world has not remained indifferent. Across decades, nations and communities have come together to codify the inalienable truth: no person, under any circumstance, should be subjected to torture.

At PATHS International, our advocacy is deeply rooted in this global legal framework. We honor the brave survivors who refuse to be broken, and we stand firm on the foundation of international, regional, and national laws that criminalize torture in all its forms.

What International Law Says About Torture

The prohibition of torture is a cornerstone of modern human rights law — an absolute, non-derogable right meaning it cannot be suspended, even in war, public emergency, or any other situation.

The United Nations Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (UNCAT), adopted in 1984, is the most comprehensive treaty explicitly outlawing torture globally. Article 2 of the Convention states:

“No exceptional circumstances whatsoever… may be invoked as a justification of torture.”

This binding treaty obligates state parties to criminalize acts of torture, investigate allegations, prosecute offenders, and provide redress and rehabilitation to survivors.

Other international instruments that firmly prohibit torture include:

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) — Article 5: “No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.”

The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) — Article 7 enshrines the same absolute prohibition.

The Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (1998) recognizes torture as both a crime against humanity and a war crime.

Regional Human Rights Conventions Combatting Torture

Regional systems have amplified this fight, adapting protections to local contexts:

The African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (1981) — Article 5 declares:
“Every individual shall have the right to the respect of the dignity inherent in a human being… No one may be subjected to torture, cruel, inhuman or degrading punishment and treatment.”

The European Convention on Human Rights (1950) — Article 3 prohibits torture in absolute terms.

The American Convention on Human Rights (1969) and the Inter-American Convention to Prevent and Punish Torture (1985) both reinforce these protections within the Americas.

Such frameworks equip civil society groups like PATHS International with legal avenues to demand accountability, support survivors, and push for policy reforms globally.

Why It Matters

Despite these legal obligations, torture persists in police cells, military barracks, conflict zones, and prisons. Many survivors face isolation, stigma, and injustice long after the physical wounds fade. Laws alone are not enough. We need sustained, courageous activism and survivor-led advocacy to break cycles of impunity.

PATHS International works relentlessly to:

Provide survivors with trauma-informed care, legal aid, and shelter.

Educate law enforcement and judicial systems on human rights-compliant practices.

Expose abuses and advocate for national laws aligned with UNCAT and regional treaties.

Partner with international mechanisms like the UN Committee Against Torture and African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights to pursue justice.