MONITORING PLACES OF DETENTION : A PRACTICAL GUIDE 103 Absolute prohibition of torture Torture is absolutely prohibited under international law and cannot be justified under any circumstances. Protection from torture is a nonderogable human right, allowing no state derogations on any ground, be this public emergency, state security or any other. Torture and ill-treatment are also regarded as prohibited under customary international law. Forms of torture and ill-treatment The CAT definition of torture contains three essential elements which constitute torture ■ The infliction of severe mental or physical pain or suffering ■ By or with the consent or acquiescence of the State authorities ■ For a specific purpose, such as gaining information, punishment or intimidation Torture can be both mental or physical and can take very different forms, including: electric shocks, beatings on the sole of the foot, suspension in painful poses, beating, rape, suffocation, burning with cigarettes deprivation of food, sleep, and communication, intimidation, mock execution.… Sexual abuse is a method of both physical and psychological incapacitation. Visiting teams should be aware of the fact that practices exist which may not fall under a classic definition of torture, that are difficult to detect, and which can, in the long run, destroy the psychological balance of those deprived of their liberty. These are all the more harmful as detained victims of these practices may be so accustomed to this treatment that they are not in a position to identify and report the practices in an explicit manner. The facts may be conveyed 1