The International Day in Support of Victims of Torture is observed every year on June 26, it is observed to raise awareness about the suffering of people who faced or facing any kind of torture.
Today, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has explained the consequences of torture on its official website. The UNGA said that the consequences of torture are that it can transform into a cycle of violence and may affect upcoming generations too.
According to the Human Rights Court, “Torture is a deliberate inhuman treatment causing very serious and cruel suffering” and the UN strictly criticizes such acts and consider them crime against humanity. To this day, the UN wants to prevent all citizens from the torture.
This motive of the UN is fulfilled by many individuals, organizations (government and non-government) and communities. Such internationally known organizations are – Amnesty International USA, Human Rights Watch and many others, these constantly work for the people who suffer from any kind of torture. These organizations play an important role in raising awareness through various activities like – photo exhibitions, distribution of posters, roadshows and many others.
HISTORY of the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture:
The convention against torture and other inhuman activity was passed on June 26, 1987, which was a step towards acknowledging a fact that torture is universally illegal. After exactly ten years, on June 26, 1997, the UN announced the day officially as the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture.
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The first-ever International Day in Support of Victims of Torture was celebrated on June 26, 1998. On the day, the UN General Assembly appealed to all the governments, stakeholders and organizations to take action against torture and safeguard the victims of torture.
At present, 162 countries support the UN convention against torture and other inhuman activities.
Efforts of rehabilitation by the United Nations:
The UN General Assembly collects funds under the UN Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture. The fund was established in the year 1981 and marks the 40th anniversary this year. These collected funds are used to provide support to the victims of torture.