In UNCAT there is no hard definition as to what torture is (at least that I saw, it leaves torture open to interpretation):
Quote:
Article 1
1. For the purposes of this Convention, the term "torture" means any act by which severe pain or suffering, whether physical or mental, is intentionally inflicted on a person for such purposes as obtaining from him or a third person information or a confession, punishing him for an act he or a third person has committed or is suspected of having committed, or intimidating or coercing him or a third person, or for any reason based on discrimination of any kind, when such pain or suffering is inflicted by or at the instigation of or with the consent or acquiescence of a public official or other person acting in an official capacity. It does not include pain or suffering arising only from, inherent in or incidental to lawful sanctions
|
The rest say "cruel treatment, humiliating and degrading treatment, and so on... I do not see a true total definition.
Again, I know it sounds stupid for me to ask, and think what you will, but before I condemn torture I want to know what is considered torture.
Again, withholding a day's rations is that torture? To some it could be. Cable tv, exercise time, and so on.... what truly defines torture.
Wow, RB, we posted at the same time the same article and while you stated it is pretty clear to what torture is I found it on the vague side.
Again, what is severe pain and suffering? I believe the definition differs with every individual.