CAT provides a definition of torture and prohibits and form of it. The treaty prescribes the measures states have to undertake to ensure accountability of perpetrators.

The ICESCR is one of the two main international human rights treaties. It establishes the rights of all people in the domain of economics, society and culture such as the right to education or adequate health care.

As one of the two main international human rights treaties the ICCPR establishes the rights and freedoms for civil and political engagement such as the freedom of expression and assembly, prohibition of torture, extra-judicial killings or discrimination based on colour, sex or social origin.