The United States observes Torture Abolition Day every year on February 4. It is a holiday devoted to commemorating the abolition of torture in society. Torturing humans or animals for personal gain or enjoyment is strictly prohibited. Humans were subjected to inhumane treatment, and many campaigned for years to end it. Every living creature deserves to be treated with respect and decency. Torture Abolition Day raises awareness to remind people of the illegality of torture and to ensure that it is not practised.
HISTORY OF TORTURE ABOLITION DAY
The United States observes the elimination of torture on February 4 each year. Pain inflicted as a method of coercion or punishment, typically by a legal or ecclesiastical authority, is termed torture. This unpleasant treatment is typically administered for a specific reason. It can involve attempting to obtain a confession, information, or the execution of a penalty. Sometimes it is solely for the torturer’s own pleasure. Countless people have been victims of acts of terrible violence. Torture is practised on both people and animals. Animals feel pain just like humans. All living beings must be handled with fairness and general humanity.
There was once a period when torture was morally and legally permitted. In Early Neolithic Europe, archaeology has uncovered traces of torture. Torture is mentioned in historical accounts of Assyria and Achaemenid Persia. Torture was used as a method of punishment and as part of the legal system. Some historians differentiated torture from painful penalties. It was considered that torture was one of the most reliable methods for obtaining confessions. It was viewed as an appropriate penalty and a means of preventing repeat violations. In the past, although many viewed it as cruel, it was an effective strategy. However, there were some restrictions on the permitted methods. In Europe, the rack and strappado were common tactics.
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5 FACTS REGARDING TORTURE
- Torture is a global crime with no justification, even in times of war.
- The United Nations Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment or Punishment and American law currently prohibit torture.
- Torture is immoral since it is cruel and abusive and violates fundamental human rights principles.
- Torture can cause psychological anguish to the victim, which has lasting implications.
- Occasionally, children were also subjected to the agony of torture.
TORTURE ABOLITION DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | February 4 | Saturday |
| 2024 | February 4 | Sunday |
| 2025 | February 4 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | February 4 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | February 4 | Thursday |
