What does Article 4-7 of the Convention Against Torture emphasize?

Article 4-7 of the Convention Against Torture specifically emphasizes the necessity of making torture a criminal offense in the domestic law of all state parties. It obligates countries to ensure that acts of torture are punishable under their legal systems, thereby establishing accountability for offenders. This means that not only should states avoid engaging in torture themselves, but they also need to take action against individuals who perpetrate such acts, ensuring that they are prosecuted and penalized accordingly.

This element of the convention demonstrates a commitment to preventing torture globally by holding individuals accountable, thereby reinforcing a norm that torture is absolutely unacceptable. Establishing it as a criminal offense is a crucial step in both deterring such actions and ensuring justice for victims. The focus on prosecution underlines the collective responsibility of states to uphold human rights and protect individuals from such violations.

The other options—while they address important issues—do not directly reflect the specific focus of Article 4-7, which centers on the legal framework necessary to combat torture through criminalization and enforcement.