CAT/C/52/2 the framework of international organizations, is likely to have a beneficial effect on their human rights compliance. It also enhances the possibility of external pressure being applied, such as aid being made conditional upon compliance with international human rights norms, transparency and good governance. 86. Another important element is the education and training of State agents. Poor selection criteria and inadequate training, the hardening effect of previous violence and the inattention or indifference of those in command encourage State agents to behave in a corrupt and repressive manner, often with impunity. When corrupt or malicious State agents are not subject to external and independent scrutiny, levels of torture and illtreatment are significantly higher. Transparency and accountability within a State system are prerequisites for ensuring that such actions are not concealed and do not go unpunished. Unsurprisingly, those principles are generally absent in States where corruption is rife. Enhancing transparency and accountability within the State system is an important means of combating both torture and ill-treatment, and corruption. The importance of a State subscribing and adhering to democratic principles and the rule of law, including transparency and accountability, cannot be overstated. F. Conflict and political repression: the importance of democratic principles and the rule of law 87. In countries where there is or has been conflict, State agents use more violence, including torture and ill-treatment, than in States that are not in conflict. In non-democratic States, there is a heightened risk of suppression of political dissent by means of torture, illtreatment, unlawful killing, disappearance and imprisonment. Democracy tends to inhibit repressive conduct, particularly where State agents have been appropriately selected and trained in human rights awareness, and where independent oversight mechanisms are in place. In a democracy where, inter alia, transparency, a free press, independent oversight and complaints mechanisms, and an independent and impartial judiciary and judicial process are all valued and protected, there is more information available relating to the actions of State agents and hence there is greater accountability, including recourse to investigation and/or prosecution when appropriate. 88. Illegal, unauthorized and unregulated activities of security officials pursuing private interests may substantially contribute to the overall amount of violence, or even be its principal cause. A State must never turn a blind eye to violence perpetrated by its officials, but all too often, an absence of democracy means that this is precisely what happens. In a democracy, the accountability of government through the electoral process means that it is in the direct interest of those in power to ensure that State agents are held accountable, and to guard against corruption and the use of torture and ill-treatment. G. Petty corruption 89. Petty corruption is that which is encountered by people in their dealings with corrupt public officials, including the police, prison officers and members of security services who use their authority for personal advantage, thus adding to the suffering of those they should be seeking to serve. This may be driven by general economic circumstances and/or by poorly paid officials seeking to supplement their income. 90. The Subcommittee is aware that torture, ill-treatment, or the threat of torture or illtreatment, may be used to extort bribes by poorly paid State officials, in abuse of their 19