It has been 30 years since the United Nations adopted the Convention Against Torture, which commits all governments to combating the abuse.
And yet, torture remains widespread across Asia.
Amnesty International reports there are at least 23 Asia-Pacific countries still carrying out acts of torture. It adds that the true number is likely to be higher.
The human rights group says China and North Korea are among the worst offenders.
Torture is also used to force confessions or silence activists in other countries in the region including India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Vietnam.
What is needed to finally stop torture?
I posed that question to Roseann Rife, East Asia Research Director of Amnesty International. Click on to hear her thoughts on what can finally end the brutal practice.
