Definitions of Torture
The current definition of torture used within the UK is that of the International Criminal Court: 'Torture' means the intentional infliction of severe pain or suffering, whether physical or mental, upon a person in the custody or in the control of the accused...
Link [Last update: 2005-07-08; 12:53]
The British Government perspective
The Home Office is still quoting the United Nations definition, from the UN Convention against Torture, which says:"... any act by which severe pain or suffering, whether physical or mental, is intentionally inflicted by or at the instigation of a public official on a person for such purposes as obtaining from his or a third person a confession, punishing him for an act that he has committed or is suspected of having committed, or intimidating him or other persons...."
Link [Last update: 2005-07-08; 12:51]
Human Rights Internet
Definitions and other relevant documents and background information can be found on the website.
Link [Last update: 2005-07-08; 12:52]
The World Medical Association
The WMA prohibits medical professionals from involvement in torture.
Link [Last update: 2005-07-08; 12:56]
The British Medical Association
This site gives useful ethical and general medical advice relating to torture.
Link [Last update: 2005-07-08; 12:53]
European Convention on Human Rights
Members of the Council of Europe (a much larger organisation that the European Union) comply with the European Convention on Human Rights under the jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights.
Link [Last update: 2005-07-08; 12:54]
The Human Rights Act
This act incorporates the ECHR into British legislation.
Link [Last update: 2005-07-08; 12:56]
Amnesty International
AI site also has a lot of other relevant information about torture and its prohibition, including much that is relevant to health professionals.
Link [Last update: 2005-07-08; 12:52]
Report: What can Health Professionals do to Support the Prevention of Torture
Presenting the report to the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe’s (OSCE) meeting on the Prevention of Torture, held in Vienna, Dr Michael Peel stated that "healthcare professionals can play an essential part in the process (of preventing torture) with the careful assessment and documentation of evidence of ill-treatment.”
Link [Last update: 2005-07-08; 12:54]