International Day in Support of Victims of Torture 26th June

"I urge all Member States to accede to and fully implement the Convention against Torture and support the United Nations Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture.  Let us work together to end torture throughout the world and ensure that countries provide reparation for victims.".............................................Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon

 

Torture seeks to annihilate the victim’s personality and denies the inherent dignity of the human being. The United Nations has condemned torture from the outset as one of the vilest acts perpetrated by human beings on their fellow human beings.

Torture is a crime under international law. According to all relevant instruments, it is absolutely prohibited and cannot be justified under any circumstances. This prohibition forms part of customary international law, which means that it is binding on every member of the international community, regardless of whether a State has ratified international treaties in which torture is expressly prohibited. The systematic or widespread practice of torture constitutes a crime against humanity.

On 12 December 1997, by resolution 52/149, the UN General Assembly proclaimed 26 June the United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, with a view to the total eradication of torture and the effective functioning of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, (resolution 39/46), annex, which entered into force on 26 June 1987.

In the words of CJA client Carlos Mauricio: "In order to prevent torture, we must fight impunity."  We stand together to pay homage to our resilient clients and their steadfast dedication to the pursuit of a better world.  Through their testimony, our clients give voice to the hundreds of thousands of silent victims of torture around the world.  You can view our special June 26th slideshow  for more from our clients.

What can you do?

Please take a moment to send messages of support and encouragement to our clients on Facebook and Twitter.  Send your messages to @CJA_News on Twitter and use the hash-tag #EndTorture.  Thank you for joining us in support of survivors of torture from around the world.