What is the definition of "torture" according to the CAT?

The definition of "torture" according to the Convention Against Torture (CAT) is characterized by the intentional infliction of severe pain or suffering for specific purposes, such as obtaining information or a confession, punishing, or intimidating. This definition emphasizes several key elements: the necessity of intent, the severity of the pain or suffering, and the specific purpose behind the act.

This underscores the difference between torture and other forms of mistreatment or abuse. Not all inflicted injuries or pain qualify as torture; there must be a deliberate aim and the suffering must reach a certain level of severity. Thus, the definition captures the precise nature of torture as being not merely an act of violence but a calculated approach to achieve certain objectives. This understanding is critical in assessing asylum claims, particularly when evaluating persecution based on political opinion, among other grounds.