Every year on June 26, International Day in Support of Victims of Torture is marked. The day is observed to come in support of people who have been tortured or abused. The emphasis of the day is to understand that torture is not acceptable and is also a crime.
This day was declared by the United Nations in 1997. The proposal of the day was made in Denmark which is also home to world-famous International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims (IRCT).
International Day in Support of Victims of Torture history
The day June 26 was selected to mark this day for two reasons. One was that on June 26, 1945, the United Nations Charter was signed amid World War II, the first international instrument obliging UN members to respect and promote the human rights and the other reason was that on June 26 in 1897, the United Nations Convention against torture and other cruel, inhumane and degrading treatment or punishment came into force.
The first event was launched in 1998 and since then more than 100 organization in several countries over the world mark this event and celebrate the campaign.
International Day in Support of Victims of Torture Significance
The day is observed for people to come together and support the victims who are tortured in any way. Despite the laws, there are many who still get tortured all around the world. Torture can ruin the mental health of a person and it requires a special kind of help at times. There have been rehab centers in support of victims to help them get over the traumatic experiences.
The UN Voluntary Fund for victims of torture which is administrated by the UN Human Rights office in Geneva is a unique victim-focused mechanism that accepts funding for the assistance to victims of torture and their families.
Also at the events, the donations are also accepted as they are necessary to provide the help needed by the victims.
Torture can be physical and mental and in both of the cases, the victims deserve the same kind of love and attention. So it’s important to come together and support them in their difficult times. Also, there are most of the stories that don’t even come out and there are many who are surviving in silence.
