What is the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment?
The Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT) is an international human rights treaty adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1984. The treaty was created to protect individuals from torture and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment – which are defined as degrading, cruel, and inhumane acts inflicted by a state or its agents on individuals. Under CAT, states must take all necessary measures to prevent torture and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment. They must also ensure that any such acts are prosecuted and punished. States must also provide effective remedies, including compensation and rehabilitation, for victims of torture and other forms of cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment. In the US, CAT is recognized as part of customary international law and is thus binding on all states, including Florida. By ratifying CAT in 1994, the US agreed to take certain steps to comply with the treaty, including ensuring that US law prohibits torture and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment and to provide effective remedies for victims of torture. All state governments, including Florida, must uphold the US’s international obligations under CAT. Thus, under Florida law, torture and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment are prohibited. Similarly, victims of such acts have the right to seek legal remedies, including compensation or rehabilitation.
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