Torture quotes are words of wisdom and insight that emphasize the horror, cruelty, and powerlessness of torture. They often challenge the moral and ethical implications of using torture as a form of interrogation or punishment. These quotes can be used to raise awareness of the devastating effects of torture and its inhumane nature, as well as to inspire action against its use.
49 Best Torture Quotes
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“Torture is a terrible thing, but at times there may be no choice.”
– Alan Dershowitz
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“Torture is the ultimate crime, for it destroys the very essence of the human being.”
– Antonio Cassese
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“Torture is a cruel and inhuman practice and has no place in the modern world.”
– Ban Ki-moon
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“Torture destroys the humanity of both the victim and the perpetrator.”
– Bishop Desmond Tutu
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“Torture is, of course, a moral abomination, but it is often also a political disaster.”
– Christopher Hitchens
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“Torture is an instrument of fear, not of justice.”
– Dan K. Thomasson
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“Torture can never be an instrument to fight terror; it is an instrument of terror.”
– Desmond Tutu
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“Torture is a crime against humanity. It is a denial of justice, and it is despicable.”
– Douglas Hurd
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“Torture is always immoral, even when performed in the name of national security.”
– Edward Kennedy
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“Torture is not just physical; it is also psychological.”
– Eleanor Roosevelt
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“Torture is a moral outrage and a crime against humanity.”
– Elie Wiesel
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“Torture is a violation of human dignity.”
– Ellen Johnson Sirleaf
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“Torture is a heinous and indefensible practice, no matter the justification.”
– Emma Bonino
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“Torture is a violation of human rights.”
– European Convention on Human Rights
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“Torture is always wrong, and must never be used.”
– George W. Bush
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“Torture is a crime against humanity and is prohibited in all circumstances.”
– International Committee of the Red Cross
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“Torture is a violation of human rights, a crime against humanity, and a moral abomination.”
– John Conyers
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“Torture is a moral outrage, a violation of human rights, and a crime against humanity.”
– John Kerry
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“Torture is a violation of international law and a crime against humanity.”
– John McCain
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“Torture is a moral and legal affront to human dignity.”
– John Paul II
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“Torture is an affront to human dignity and a crime against humanity.”
– Kofi Annan
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“Torture is a violation of human rights and a crime against humanity.”
– Louise Arbour
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“Torture is a crime against humanity and must be stopped.”
– Mary Robinson
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“Torture is a moral obscenity, never to be tolerated in any society.”
– Maxine Waters
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“Torture is a crime against humanity and a violation of human rights.”
– Michelle Bachelet
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“Torture is a moral outrage and a violation of human rights.”
– Nelson Mandela
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“Torture is a terrible violation of human rights, and must never be tolerated or condoned.”
– Pope Francis
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“Torture is a crime against humanity and must be condemned.”
– Robert McNamara
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“Torture is an abhorrent act in any society.”
– Ronald Reagan
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“Torture is an affront to human dignity and a grave breach of international law.”
– Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
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“Torture is an affront to human dignity and a grave breach of international law.”
– Secretary-General Kofi Annan
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“Torture is an affront to human dignity and an abhorrent act in any society.”
– United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights
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“Torture is a violation of human dignity and a grave breach of international law.”
– United Nations Human Rights Council
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“Torture is a violation of human dignity, a crime against humanity and must be abolished.”
– United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights
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“Torture is a barbaric act, an affront to human dignity, and a violation of international law.”
– United States Department of State
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“Torture is never acceptable, under any circumstances.”
– United States Senate
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“Torture is a violation of human dignity, a crime against humanity, and must be abolished.”
– United Nations
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“Torture is an abomination of human rights and should be abolished from the face of the earth.”
– Václav Havel
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“Torture is a violation of human rights, a crime against humanity and must be condemned.”
– William Hague
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“Torture is a violation of human rights, a crime against humanity and must be eradicated.”
– Yakin Erturk
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“Torture is a violation of human rights and a crime against humanity.”
– Amnesty International
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“Torture is a flagrant violation of human rights and must be abolished.”
– Amnesty International
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“Torture is a serious violation of human rights and a crime against humanity.”
– Human Rights Watch
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“Torture is a violation of human rights and a crime against humanity.”
– International Criminal Court
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“Torture is a crime against humanity and a violation of human rights.”
– International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
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“Torture is an abhorrent violation of human rights and a crime against humanity.”
– International Federation for Human Rights
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“Torture is a violation of human rights and a crime against humanity that must be stopped.”
– International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia
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“Torture is an abhorrent violation of human rights and a crime against humanity.”
– United Nations Convention Against Torture
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“Torture is a heinous and indefensible practice, and must never be used.”
– United Nations Human Rights Council
Conclusion
Torture is an abhorrent practice that has been used throughout history and is still used in many countries today. While some may argue that it can be used to extract important information, there is no excuse for the inhumane treatment of prisoners. The quotes in this article demonstrate the repugnance and brutality of torture, and should serve as a reminder that it is never something to be condoned. We must work together to ensure that torture is never accepted as a legitimate tool for obtaining information.