In 1972, the non-governmental organization Amnesty International launched a campaign against torture and lobbied for the creation of a UN declaration against all forms of torture and cruelty. As a result, the United Nations adopted the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment in 1984. This human rights treaty aims to combat cruelty and torture worldwide.
The document requires signatory states to prevent torture within their countries and to refuse the return or extradition of individuals to places where it is likely that they will be tortured.
Since its adoption, the document has been ratified by over 150 nations and serves as a guide for the creation of both domestic and international law.
Thirty-eighth session of the UN General Assembly, where drafting of the convention continued (via UN Photo)