June 26: International Day in Support of Victims of Torture

CAIRO – 26 June 2022: Torture aims to annihilate the personality of the victim and deny the inherent dignity of the human being.

The United Nations had always condemned torture as one of the most despicable acts committed by human beings. Torture is a crime under international law, and is strictly prohibited by all relevant instruments.

Torture cannot be justified under any circumstances and is a prohibition that forms part of international customary law. This means that it binds every member of the international community, regardless of whether or not the state has ratified the international treaties that expressly prohibit torture. The systematic and widespread practice of torture constitutes a crime against humanity.

The General Assembly, in its resolution 52/149 of 12 December 1997, declared June 26 the United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, aiming for the complete elimination of torture and the effective functioning of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.

Recovery from torture requires immediate and specialized programs. The work of rehabilitation centers and organizations around the world has proven that victims can move from horror to recovery.

The United Nations Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture, administered by the United Nations Human Rights Office in Geneva, is a unique victim-focused mechanism that directs funding to assist victims of torture and their families.