How is torture defined for purposes of the Convention against Torture?
Torture is defined as intentional unlawful infliction of severe (physical or mental) suffering or pain, with consent of a public official, for purposes such as punishment, obtaining a confession, intimidation, or discrimination. Torture can include many different types of harm – such as rape, electric shock, being forced to take drugs or other substances, being deprived of food or water, physical beatings, and threats of such harm. The torture that you fear must come from the government or people that the government allows to torture others.
