The Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment was adopted on December 10, 1984, by the United Nations General Assembly in New York City. The adoption of this Convention was a pivotal moment in international human rights law, addressing a critical area of human rights violations occurring globally. The groundwork for the Convention had been laid by longstanding concerns over the prevalence of torture in various political regimes and conflict zones. Advocates for human rights had long sought a comprehensive legal instrument that would not only condemn but also provide mechanisms for accountability against torture and ill-treatment.The Convention establishes clear definitions of torture, outlines the obligations of state parties to prevent torture, and emphasizes the importance of effective legal systems to address allegations of torture. States that sign and ratify the Convention commit to taking legislative, administrative, and judicial measures to ensure the effective prevention and investigation of torture. Importantly, the Convention also provides a framework for the monitoring of compliance through an optional committee that reviews reports submitted by states on their adherence to the Convention's provisions.The adoption was part of a broader initiative by the international community to strengthen human rights norms and to catalyze efforts towards universal accountability. This marked a turning point as it united countries around the principle that torture is unacceptable under any circumstances, even with national security claims. As a result, the Convention has played a critical role in promoting the prohibition of torture and supporting the development of subsequent international human rights treaties and protocols.