asked Her Majesty's Government:

Why rape is not regarded as torture when considering detainees for removal or deportation. [HL1120]

Rape, whether actual or threatened, can constitute torture in certain circumstances, but, whether or not it is torture, it is certainly inhuman or degrading treatment.

In accordance with our obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights, we would not remove an individual where there are substantial grounds for believing that there is a real risk that he or she would be subjected to torture or to inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.

The decision to remove a person from the United Kingdom is taken only after full and careful consideration of individual circumstances.