What does Article 2 of the Convention Against Torture specify regarding exceptional circumstances?

Article 2 of the Convention Against Torture explicitly states that no exceptional circumstances, such as war or public emergency, can be invoked to justify torture. This is a fundamental principle of international human rights law affirming that torture is absolutely prohibited under any circumstances. The drafters of the Convention aimed to establish a clear and unequivocal standard that reflects the intrinsic value of human dignity and the importance of protecting individuals from inhumane treatment.

The idea behind this provision is to ensure that even in the most dire situations, the prohibition against torture remains inviolable. It reinforces the commitment to uphold human rights and provides a strong legal framework against abuses in any context, including military conflicts or governmental crises. Thus, the clarity of this article underlines the absolute nature of the ban on torture, making it an essential aspect of the legal protections afforded to individuals under international law.