Although torture, as a matter of state policy, has ended in certain countries that have witnessed changes in regime, it continues to be widely prevalent in many countries where it is still either accepted, or at least tolerated, as part of law enforcement interrogation and punishment.

War and situations of armed conflict within and between states have, in recent years, given rise to the gravest human rights violations including torture.

Health professionals in many countries still find themselves under duress to condone or cover up torture in violation of their codes of ethics and the UN Principles of Medical Ethics.