The pivotal 2006 resolution is the first APA resolution to recognize explicitly that, as an accredited nongovernmental organization at the United Nations, APA is committed to promoting and protecting human rights in accordance with the U.N. Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and other U.N. conventions and international standards.

The 2006 resolution, following upon APA's 1985 and 1986 resolutions against torture, adopts the U.N. Convention's definition of torture. The definition of "cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment" applicable to all persons in all contexts is based upon U.S. protections against cruel and unusual punishment as defined in the 5th, 8th and 14th Amendments to the U.S. Constitution.

APA's unequivocal condemnation of torture and CIDTP and its commitment to international human rights standards are found throughout the 2006 resolution. For example, the resolution states that psychologists shall work in accordance with international human rights instruments relevant to their roles.