Torture by deprivation

Nature

Deprivation is used to torture prisoners for the purpose of breaking down resistance, demonstrate absolute control by the torturers and humiliate the prisoner. The range of deprivation is from total sensory deprivation to being denied access to professional service like medical and legal. Sleep, food, and water deprivation are common. Confinement to cells without the opportunity of exercise or even social contact is used in some cases. Relatives are denied access to prisoners or even the knowledge of their imprisonment.

Background

Torture by deprivation emerged as a recognized global concern in the mid-20th century, particularly following reports from political prisoners and detainees during authoritarian regimes. International attention intensified after documentation by organizations such as Amnesty International in the 1970s, revealing systematic use of sensory, social, and basic needs deprivation. Subsequent United Nations investigations and human rights treaties have highlighted its prevalence across diverse regions, prompting ongoing scrutiny and calls for accountability.

Incidence

Torture by deprivation has been reported in countries including: South Africa, Chile, Colombia.

Claim

Torture by deprivation is a grave and urgent human rights crisis. Denying individuals basic needs—such as food, water, sleep, or social contact—inflicts profound psychological and physical harm. This insidious form of torture often escapes public scrutiny, yet its devastating effects can last a lifetime. We must recognize deprivation as a serious violation of human dignity and demand immediate action to end its use everywhere. Silence and inaction are unacceptable.

Counter-claim

Torture by deprivation is vastly overstated as a concern. In today’s world, with so many pressing issues—poverty, disease, and conflict—focusing on deprivation as torture distracts from real suffering. Most claims are exaggerated, and the impact is minimal compared to physical violence. Resources and attention should be directed elsewhere, not wasted on a problem that is neither widespread nor significant in the grand scheme of human rights challenges.