classify as a war crime, this treatment must be carried out as part of a plan or policy or as
part of a large-scale commission of such crimes.129
Interrogation
The prohibition against torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment
applies prior to, during or subsequent to interrogation. The ACJ has developed minimum
standards of interrogation designed to ensure that the prohibition on torture and cruel, inhuman
or degrading treatment or punishment is adhered to.
We note that the (UN) Principles of Medical Ethics and Torture prohibit health personnel from
applying their knowledge and skills in order to assist in the interrogation of detainees in a
manner that may adversely affect their physical or mental health or condition.
Gender-based violence
There is an overlap between gender-based violence and gender specific forms of torture.
CEDAW130 does not refer specifically to violence, abuse, torture or ill-treatment. However,
the CEDAW Committee’s General Recommendation No. 19 on violence against women refers
to torture in the following context:131
Gender-based violence, which impairs or nullifies the enjoyment by women of human rights and
fundamental freedoms under general international law or under human rights conventions, is discrimination
within the meaning of Article 1 of the Convention. These rights and freedoms include:
…
(a) The right not to be subject to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment;
129
Rome Statute, Article 8(1).
Adopted and opened for signature, ratification and accession by General Assembly resolution 34/180 of 18
December 1979, entry into force 3 September 1981.
131
Similar considerations would apply under CERD.
130
91