By: Mara Mestecaneanu for the UN
Today’s topic of discussion was whether to prevent torture as an investigation method, or not. Most of the country delegates present talked about how torture under any form should not be allowed, since it is a violation of moral rights. However, four of the countries who sat at that conference had something else to say. Their story, but from a different perspective.
While most of the delegates heavily implied that torture is inhumane, leaves long lasting effects, is not a proper interrogation method, is so cruel that can scar people for life, and according to the delegate from Cuba, “There is no case where torture has been used as a succesful method”, surprisingly enough, there is still room for discussion.
Netherlands’ spokeswoman then spoke about how, since 1989, they have banned torture throughout the country, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that it stopped happening. Like India’s delegate rightfully said, “A signature on paper is not everything”.
Egypt’s representative strongly spoke about how killing innocent people is the worst case scenario, and this brings us back to India, whose envoy was asked to elaborate on what their response to torture is. And quote, “We have been working on multiple punishments to be given out as a result to torture, and we mainly concluded that imprisonment is the best option, if the person accused is indeed found guilty. But it really depends on how long the torture has been going on for, so it is fairly flexible.”
However, now’s the part where it gets interesting. Myanmar’s delegate said that torture could be rightfully used, and quote, “In special circumstances”. Then Russia’s commissary talked about how when there is limited time, the most fast and effective methods must be used, and that quote, “We have to put our people first”. And it also seemed as though Israel agrees, since their representative also said, and quote, “We consider that it is more important to ensure the safety of our country, above all else”. France’s envoy also said, and quote, “ Torture can be justified as a method of extraction of information, and we value the lives of thousands, over the life of one”.
The heated debates continue.
PS: a lil bit of gossip from the gossip box: “There have been rumours about hidden chemistry between the delegates of China and India”.
