United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture 2023: Date, History, Facts about Torture

International Day in Support of Victims and Torture is celebrated annually on June 26 to raise awareness about torture and garner support. It demonstrates that torture constitutes a crime against humanity. The day is also devoted to the victims of torture, who are frequently forgotten in interminable narratives. The day was established in 1997 following a decades-long campaign that began with the 1987 Convention Against Torture. The 26th of June sheds light on the steps we as a society can take to eliminate the use of torture and the means by which we can assist the victims of this abhorrent crime.

The background of United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture

Torture, a violation of international law, persists in many regions of the globe. The United Nations defines torture as the deliberate infliction of physical or mental torment on a person in order to extract information or exact retribution. According to the United Nations, torture is one of the most heinous actions a person can commit against their fellow human beings. Torture has been historically justified as a means to an end. However, prominent psychologists have condemned torture as ineffective and ineffectual for achieving any objective.

In the U.N.’s corridors, the campaign to criminalise torture has been ongoing for decades. In 1987, the Convention Against Torture entered into force, recognising torture as a degrading and illegal practise. In 1997, the United Nations General Assembly designated June 26 as International Day in Support of Torture Victims. This day aims to halt the barbaric acceptance and use of torture. Numerous global organisations, such as Amnesty International and the International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims, host events to raise awareness of the negative effects of torture on humans. On June 26, a collective commitment is made to raise awareness of the urgency of declaring torture a national crime in the remaining nations.

For the victims, the path to recovery from the maltreatment caused by torture is quite challenging. Through the proclamation of an international day in support of the victims, the United Nations raises special funds that focus on their rehabilitation and recovery by providing them with practical aid and therapy.

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5 TERRIFYING FACTS ABOUT TORTURE THAT WILL CONFRONT YOUR WORLDVIEW

Torture is ineffective because it impairs the victims’ cognitive abilities.

Torture has severe and long-lasting effects on the victim, which often result in post-traumatic stress disorder.

The Centre for Victims of Torture in Ethiopia reported that 40% of its clients were juveniles.

In a joint statement, 42 retired admirals and generals condemned torture as a violation of our shared values.

Congress continues to provide bipartisan support for the Convention Against Torture.

UNITED NATIONS INTERNATIONAL DAY IN SUPPORT OF VICTIMS OF TORTURE DATES