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 is an international treaty that was developed in 1984 and ratified by Virginia in 1988. It is intended to protect individuals from torture and other forms of cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment. The Convention requires each state party to take effective legal, administrative, and other measures to prevent acts of torture in any territory under its jurisdiction. The treaty defines torture as an act by which severe pain or suffering, whether physical or mental, is intentionally inflicted on a person for such purposes as obtaining information or a confession, punishing the person for an act he or she has committed or is suspected of having committed, or intimidating or coercing the person. It also prohibits cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment, which are acts that do not rise to the level of torture but are nonetheless inhumane or degrading. In Virginia, all individuals are entitled to human rights, including the right to be protected from torture and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment. The Virginia Human Rights Act and other state laws prohibit any form of discrimination on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, disability, familial status, sexual orientation, or gender identity. It is also unlawful for any person or public official to condone, permit, or engage in any form of torture or cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment.

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What is the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment?

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