Abstract

This manual seeks to support the global efforts to prevent and eradicate torture
and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment (other ill-treatment).
It is the second edition of Amnesty International’s Combating torture: A manual
for action, first published in 2003. It updates the first edition by including recent
developments in international law such as new treaties, standards, jurisprudence,
findings and observations of human rights bodies, and expert opinions. It is designed
to be a practical guide to international and regional standards that prohibit and seek
to prevent torture and other ill-treatment worldwide. The manual provides advice on the
implementation of these standards, drawing upon the ideas, activities and achievements
of anti-torture activists and experts around the world. Amnesty International’s positions
on specific issues are also provided. It is hoped that the manual will be of use not only
to Amnesty International staff but to anyone working to expose and combat torture
and other ill-treatment, including other human rights defenders, lawyers, judges,
law enforcement officers and other public officials, legislators, health professionals
and the media.