Noting that Article 5 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights affirms that no one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degarding [sic] treatment or punishment,

Aware that torture is practiced in many countries of the world,

Cognizant that various reports of such violations, of human rights and fundamental freedoms have been brought before various United Nations organs dealing with human rights,

The National Women's Conference of the American Ethical Union and the American Ethical Union

Reject the use of any form of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment;

Urge the United States government to ratify existing international conventions And covenants which contain provisions relating to the prohibition of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment;

Request the United States government to investigate and determine whether any form of torture or inhuman treatment or punishment is used in any areas under United States' jurisdiction and, if it is, to take all necessary steps to eliminate and forbid such treatment.

Submitted by the National Women's Conference
Approved by the AEU Public Affairs Committee
Adopted at the American Ethical Union Assembly in Washington, D. C. - 1974

Source: AEU 66th Annual Assembly Memo [job09scan]

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