The title of the book underlines the perception in the publication that torture and degrading treatment or punishment is a precursor of all other forms of human rights abuse.
Torture is also a topic that few community and religious leaders have addressed.
Included in the contents are an overview of the historical and cultural sources of torture today and reports about the use of torture in Burma, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and south Korea. The book states that torture is a weapon used by elites with impunity against others who lack their power and wealth. Copies of this publication can be ordered by contacting AHRC . For any suggestions, pleased email to the webmaster of this site.