Impunity as a root cause of the prevalence of torture 2010, para. 49
Paragraph
Paragraph text
The fact that torture is either not codified or not properly defined in national criminal laws facilitates too lenient penalties, not commensurate with the gravity of the crime. This is another factor that can contribute to a climate of impunity by sending a non-deterrent message to potential perpetrators and by nurturing a lack of awareness among judges and lawyers.
Legal status
Non-negotiated soft law
Body
Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment