This booklet, prepared for the 1977 World Day of Peace, examines the growing use of torture by governments around the world. It specifically focuses on torture and imprisonment of political prisoners as systematic violations of human rights. The booklet includes: a background essay which discusses human rights in the context of U.S. foreign policy; a paraliturgy section; an essay of the technology of torture; five case studies; a study and action guide; and a resource section. Argentina, Czechosolvakia, Indonesia, Iran, and South Africa are the five countries selected for the case studies. They were chosen with these criteria in mind: severe and persistant human rights violations; geographic distribution; and relationship to the United States aid and trade policies. The study and action guide outlines the procedures for the adoption of a political prisoner and gives suggestions and ideas for ongoing discussion and action related to the prisoner. Organizations, books, periodicals, and foreign embassies concerned with human rights are listed in the resource section. Though written from a religious point of view, this booklet is appropriate for all groups concerned with human rights. (Author/JK)