This study of the Special Rapporteur covers different aspects related to the torture phenomenon, which is still a widespread practice in the majority of countries.
According to the Special Rapporteur, many detainees belong to the most disadvantaged groups in society, such as drug addicts, minorities, poor people etc., being subject to double discrimination and vulnerability.
He further highlights that the main purpose for inflicting torture is the extraction of confessions or information. In this regard, he mentions that most of the detainees incarcerated for drug-related crimes in Indonesia have been tortured to provide information on their drug suppliers.
Citation: Manfred Nowak, 'Report of the Special Rapporteur: Study on the phenomena of torture, cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment in the world, including an assessment of conditions of detention' (2010) A/HRC/13/39/Add.5