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Self-Assessment and Quiz

  1. Which of the following is/are included in the UN Convention Against Torture (CAT) definition of torture?
    1. The intentional infliction of severe mental or physical pain or suffering
    2. Perpetrated by or with the consent or acquiescence of the state authorities
    3. Pain and suffering arising from lawful sanctions
    4. For a specific purpose, such as gaining information, punishment or intimidation or for any other reason
    5. All of the above
  2. What distinguishes cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment (CID or ill-treatment) from torture?
    1. The use of psychological methods of abuse only, but not physical methods
    2. The degree of severity of mental or physical pain or suffering inflicted
    3. Perpetrated by or with the consent or acquiescence of state authorities
    4. Ill-treatment does not have to be inflicted for a specific purpose
    5. All of the above
  3. Which of the following is a reasonable estimate of the number of countries that practice in the world today?
    1. Nearly all of the countries in the world
    2. Nearly half the countries in the world
    3. About one fourth of the countries in the world
    4. None of the above
  4. International Law prohibiting torture is nearly as old as the practice of torture itself
    1. True
    2. False
  5. Which of the following accurately describes the purpose of torture?
    1. To establish and maintain social control
    2. To suppress and punish political opponents and criminals
    3. To force individuals to “confess” to crimes
    4. To instill a sense of terror within a population
    5. All of the Above
  6. According to the UN Convention Against Torture, which of the following conditions are exceptions for the prohibition against torture?
    1. If an official “state of emergency” is declared
    2. When domestic law allows for exceptions
    3. If the infliction of severe physical and/or mental pain was not the intent of the alleged perpetrators
    4. None of the above
  7. The provision of non-refoulment in the Convention Against Torture refers to:
    1. Not allowing suspected torturers to emigrate to other countries
    2. Not returning individuals to countries where they may be tortured
    3. Not allowing individuals asylum on the basis of torture claims
    4. Not returning suspected torturers to the country where the alleged crimes were committed
  8. States have legal obligations to protect individuals from torture and ill-treatment by non-state actors?
    1. True
    2. False
  9. Perpetrators of torture and ill treatment are commonly officials involved in the criminal investigation process, and those responsible for the security of the state.
    1. True
    2. False
  10. States do not have a legal obligation to investigate acts of torture or ill-treatment unless there has been a formal complaint about it.
    1. True
    2. False
  11. Which of the following is not a condition of prison visits by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)?
    1. Access to all detainees
    2. Access at any time
    3. To interview detainees in private
    4. To make ICRC investigation findings public
  12. International law prohibiting torture and ill treatment does not apply to states that have not signed or ratified relevant declarations, covenants or conventions which prohibit torture and ill treatment.
    1. True
    2. False
  13. According to the Convention Against Torture, victims of torture have a right to redress and adequate compensation.
    1. True
    2. False
  14. Which of the following will likely decrease the risk of torture and/or ill treatment among persons deprived of their liberty?
    1. Access to legal counsel
    2. Access to a medical doctor
    3. Regular monitoring of detention facilities by UN and regional human rights bodies
    4. Judicial remand within 24 hours of detention
    5. All of the above
  15. The December 2002 Optional Protocol to the UN Convention Against Torture creates a mechanism for regular inspection, by independent international and national bodies, of all places where people are deprived of liberty, within countries that agree to be bound by this Protocol.
    1. True
    2. False
  16. According to international standards:
    1. Detainees should be afforded prompt and regular access to doctors
    2. Detainees should be offered a medical examination as soon as possible after being detained
    3. Care and treatment shall be provided free of charge
    4. Detainees have the right to request a second medical opinion by a doctor of their choice
    5. All of the above
  17. The UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners state that detainees or prisoners needing special treatment must be transferred to specialised institutions or civil hospitals for that treatment.
    1. True
    2. False
  18. Measures to prevent torture and ill treatment include:
    1. Effective monitoring of places of detention
    2. Prohibiting confessions obtained through torture and ill treatment
    3. Unrestricted access to one’s own lawyer and doctor
    4. Ensuring the right to legal challenge of detention before a judge
    5. All of the above
  19. Measures for accountability of torture and ill treatment include:
    1. Effective investigations of allegations of torture and ill treatment
    2. Allowing torture to be prosecuted as an “abuse of police duty”
    3. Ensuring that alleged perpetrators are subject to criminal proceedings
    4. Ensuring adequate victim and witness protection
    5. All of the above
  20. Because all detained people have the right to equal treatment without discrimination, differential treatment for special categories of detainees is not permitted.
    1. True
    2. False