International Day in Support of Victims of Torture – June 26 – the day was brought into existence in 1997 after a decades-long campaign, which started with the 1987 Convention Against Torture. Torture is still an issue that faces many countries around the world, with millions of people living in conditions that can only be described as torture.
On this day, we stand united in our support for those who have experienced torture, and pledge to work together to end this atrocity once and for all.
Background of the United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture
Every year, on June 26th, the United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, individuals around the world come together to remember those who have suffered torture and abuse. The day was created in 1988 in response to the widespread public recognition of international human rights abuses that took place during the Cold War.
Since its inception, the day has been used to raise awareness about the torture and abuse of civilians by both state and non-state actors. It has also served as a platform for governments to condemn these crimes and take steps to prevent them from happening in the future.
The United Nations has made it a priority to support victims of torture and abuse. In 2014, the UN adopted a resolution titled “Towards a Universal Periodic Review of the Status of Human Rights Defenders” which calls on all member states to protect human rights defenders and ensure their safety.
This year’s United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture is an important opportunity for individuals around the world to remember those who have suffered torture and abuse. We hope that this day will help to raise awareness about these crimes, and that governments will take action to protect victims and ensure their safety.
Why is June chosen as the date?
June is chosen as the date for the United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture because it is the anniversary of the adoption of the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.
The convention has been ratified by most countries in the world, including the United States. It sets out a framework for preventing torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. It also provides a mechanism for victims to seek redress.
2. What are some of the provisions in the Convention?
The provisions of the Convention Against Torture include:
– Protecting individuals from torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment
– Prohibiting secret detention and solitary confinement
– Providing a right to an effective remedy if someone is tortured or treated in a cruel, inhuman or degrading way
– Ensuring that victims have an opportunity to be heard
– Providing that witnesses can be protected from intimidation or retaliation
– Guaranteeing freedom from discrimination based on membership in a minority group
What are the aims of the Day?
The United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture is an important day to raise awareness about torture and help victims receive the support they need. The aims of the Day are to promote the abolition of torture, support victims, and promote human rights.
Torture is a violation of human rights that can cause immense pain and suffering. It is often used to intimidate or punish people, and it can lead to long-term physical and psychological problems. The Day aims to help victims receive the support they need to recover from torture, and to create a society that does not tolerate torture.
This Day serves as a reminder that torture is never acceptable, no matter how common it may seem. We must continue to work together to fight torture wherever it occurs, and support victims of torture in their recovery process.
What can we do to support victims of torture around the world?
On June 26th, the United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, we can take a number of steps to support victims around the world.
First and foremost, we should remember that torture is never the answer. It only leads to more pain and suffering for the victim, and it rarely produces the information that the government is looking for.
Second, we can help to raise awareness about torture among our friends and family members. We can talk about how torture is wrong and why it’s never acceptable. We can also make sure that they know about the resources available to them if they need help.
Third, we can donate money or clothes to organizations that help victims of torture. These organizations provide food, shelter, and medical care to victims who have been tortured. They also offer counseling and other support services.
Fourth, we can write letters of support for victims of torture. This will show that we stand with them and are willing to do anything to help them recover from their trauma.
We can take a number of steps to support victims of torture on June 26th. By doing so, we can ensure that they receive the help they need and deserve.
Conclusion
It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the ongoing suffering of victims of torture and other forms of abuse. On this day, we pledge our support to these individuals and remind everyone that such atrocities are unjustified, intolerable, and never justified. We commit ourselves to working together to end torture once and for all. Thank you for your continued support!
