Suppose I were to tell you that if you want to make a difference, it’s important to take a stand against torture.
What’s going through your head right now?
What do exactly to you mean by “torture”?
In this post I’m referring to the United Nations’ definition: “any act by which severe pain or suffering, whether physical or mental, is intentionally inflicted on a person for such purposes as obtaining from him or a third person information or a confession, punishing him for an act he or a third person has committed or is suspected of having committed, or intimidating or coercing him or a third person, or for any reason based on discrimination of any kind, when such pain or suffering is inflicted by or at the instigation of or with the consent or acquiescence of a public official or other person acting in an official capacity.”
But isn’t it effective?
Absolutely not. Studies show that the most effective way to gather valuable intelligence is through rapport-building, not torture.
Not only is torture ineffective, but, as a story in The Guardian points out, it extracts a cost, including to the reputation of a country that engages in torture.
Even if it were effective, there are two additional arguments against it:
- It’s illegal. Several U.S. laws forbid torture. So do international laws established under the Convention Against Torture and the Geneva Convention, both of which are supported by the United States.
- It’s unethical. Speaking as a Christian, I cannot claim to follow Jesus (who was himself a victim of torture) if I support torture. Commands such as “turn the other cheek” and “love your enemies” contradict torture. And many, including the late Senator John McCain, argue that this practice betrays our highest ideals, including a belief in the dignity and rights of all human beings.
Torture was a problem in the 2000s, but it’s not really going on now, is it?
Unfortunately, as recently as 2017 a UN human rights investigator claimed that the U.S. was still torturing people at Guantanamo Bay. And President Trump has made it quite clear that he has no problem with torture.
Of course I’m against torture! But what can I do about it?
- First and foremost, speak up. If the subject comes up during conversation, explain your position. Write to your senator or representative if they say that they are in favor of using torture. Write a letter to the editor if it comes up in the news. Use whatever platform you have to express your opposition to the practice.
- Support an organization that advocates against torture or that serves victims of torture, such as Amnesty International or the Center for Victims of Torture.
- Invite someone to speak about the subject to your faith community, workplace, or school. Both of the organizations that I mentioned above have speakers available.
While the U.S. may not be using torture the way it did 15 years ago, it’s still an issue. We need to take a stand against this immoral practice.