Beginning of Essay
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted by the United Nations in 1948 states in Article 5 that "No one shall be subjected to torture, or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment." Yet, almost fifty years after the declaration, physical and ....

Middle of Essay
.... to adapt and fully function as contributing members of the community. Torture is a slow process that is designed to render its victim helpless, dependent and devoid of all human qualities. Torture destroys the sense of self; it confuses right and wrong; any belief in the stability of the world is taken away; "truth" becomes a word without meaning. Methods of torture are limited only by the fiendish fantasies of those whose business it is to break others down. Physical methods include beating, electric shock (especially to the genitals), stretching (as on a rack), asphyxiation techniques such as submersion in contaminated water and smothering wit ....