IN SHORT
- International Day in Support of Victims of Torture is observed on June 26th.
- Torture is a severe violation of human rights, causing physical, mental, and emotional pain.
- Torture is illegal globally and is condemned as a crime against humanity.
- Despite its prohibition, torture continues to occur, necessitating global awareness and action.
- The UN Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture provides crucial support for survivors.
- Individuals can help by raising awareness, supporting organizations, speaking out against torture, educating themselves, and showing compassion.
- Healing from torture is possible with appropriate support and rehabilitation.
The entire world honors the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture on June 26th of each year. This day, which was established by the UN in 1997, aims to raise public awareness of the despicable act of torture and to demonstrate support for individuals who have been affected by it.
Why is This Day Important?
One of the most severe abuses of human rights is torture, which causes its victims tremendous pain on a mental, physical, and emotional level. The UN has always opposed torture and highlighted that it is completely forbidden by international law.
What is Torture?
The intentional infliction of extreme pain or suffering on a person, usually with the goal of punishing them or getting information from them, is known as torture. It is strictly prohibited and strongly condemned as a crime against humanity.
Key Points About Torture
Torture is Illegal Everywhere
- Whether a government has signed a particular treaty or not, it remains obligated by international law to ban torture.
- Torture that is practiced widely or persistently is a crime against humanity.
No Excuses for Torture
- Even in times of war or for the sake of national security, there are no excuses for the use of torture.
- In addition to its direct effects, torture has the potential to create harm all through decades.
Torture is Still Happening
- Torture is still practiced in many places even if it is forbidden. Alice Jill Edwards, the UN Special Rapporteur on torture, has observed a rise in torture cases, which she connects in part to the number of conflicts occurring throughout the world.
Helping Victims of Torture
The Importance of Healing
- To recover, torture victims need specific support. The goal of many organizations and places across the world is to assist survivors in recovering and starting over.
The UN Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture
This fund, which is administered by the UN Human Rights Office in Geneva, offers:
- legal support
- Social assistance
- humanitarian assistance
- psychological support
- Health care services
The fund provides funding to a range of groups, such as:
- Defenders of human rights
- Prisoners
- Youngsters and teenagers
- Migrants and refugees
- Native Americans
- LGBT people
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