Manila: Today, in observance of the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, the Asian Federation Against Involuntary Disappearances (AFAD) stands in solidarity with the victims of torture across the globe and unequivocally condemns this egregious practice.

Despite 170 parties and 83 signatories to the Convention against Torture (CAT) which came into force over three decades ago, torture persists across continents. States continue to perpetrate this offense routinely and countless people become victims. Torture is a contemptible act that causes extreme and irreversible psychological and physical damage on the individual. It is an inhumane, degrading and cruel treatment or punishment to which no human being should be subjected.