All of the major religions aspire to a higher existence for humans, a happiness of the spirit and a world in which the divinity of each human is truly appreciated. At the opposite end of the spectrum exists torture - the most base and vulgar reality of human existence, aimed at breaking, disfiguring and destroying the human spirit and person. Yet the religious organisations have been notable in their absence from the movement to rid the world of torture.

The UN Convention Against Torture and Other Forms of Inhuman and Degrading Treatment or Punishment has been ratified by surprisingly few countries in Asia, leaving great opportunities for religious groups to encourage the ratification and observance of this Convention in their own countries.

With the disturbing rise in religious fundamentalism, those seeking cooperation between religions can find it in this issue. Torture is abominable to all religions and unacceptable to people of every religious persuasion, and those suffering include the members of our own local religious communities. Our collective action to implement this Convention can serve as a common ground on which we can work towards a more compassionate, enlightened and respectful world.