The United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture is an international observance held annually on June 26th to speak out against the crime of torture and to honor and support victims and survivors throughout the world.
This is a day on which we pay our respects
to those who have endured the unimaginable.
This is an occasion for the world to speak up against the unspeakable.
It is long overdue that a day be dedicated to remembering and
supporting the many victims and survivors of torture around the world.
— Former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan, 1998
Watch Pope Francis’ June Intention Prayer
for the end to torture
Torture: a crime against humanity
Torture seeks to annihilate the victim’s personality and denies the inherent dignity of the human being. Despite the absolute prohibition of torture under international law, torture persists in all regions of the world. Concerns about protecting national security and borders are increasingly used to allow torture and other forms of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment. Its pervasive consequences often go beyond the isolated act on an individual; and can be transmitted through generations and lead to cycles of violence.
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.
June 26th is an opportunity to call on all stakeholders including UN Member States, civil society, and individuals everywhere to unite in support of the hundreds of thousands of people around the world who have been victims of torture and those who are still tortured today.
Healing through rehabilitation
Recovering from torture requires prompt and specialized programs.
The work of rehabilitation centers and organizations around the world has demonstrated that victims can make the transition from horror to healing. The UN Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture, administered by the UN Human Rights Office in Geneva is a unique victim-focused mechanism that channels funding for the assistance to victims of torture and their families. Established in 1981 with a mandate to support torture victims and their families, the Fund works by channeling voluntary contributions to civil society organizations providing legal, social, humanitarian, psychological and medical services.
Recovering from torture requires prompt and specialized programs.
The work of rehabilitation centers and organizations around the world has demonstrated that victims can make the transition from horror to healing. The UN Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture, administered by the UN Human Rights Office in Geneva is a unique victim-focused mechanism that channels funding for the assistance to victims of torture and their families. Established in 1981 with a mandate to support torture victims and their families, the Fund works by channeling voluntary contributions to civil society organizations providing legal, social, humanitarian, psychological and medical services.
Beneficiaries include human rights defenders, persons deprived of liberty, children and adolescents, refugees and migrants, victims of enforced disappearance, indigenous peoples, victims of sexual and gender-based violence and LGBTI persons, among others. The UN Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture accepts donations.
To witness how rehabilitation services help torture survivors to heal, watch the UN Torture Fund trailer, featuring interviews with beneficiary organizations, survivors, and trustees.
To witness how rehabilitation services help torture survivors to heal, watch the UN Torture Fund trailer, featuring interviews with beneficiary organizations, survivors, and trustees.
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God of justice and mercy,
help us remember this day, that you have created each
and every person with dignity and worth.
We pray for every life that has been touched by torture,
both those tortured and the torturers.
We pray for restoration and peace.
We pray for fortitude in the face of fear and that we might
do what is right and just.
We pray for courage to speak out.
We pray for governments and persons who seek to prevent torture and who support survivors of torture.
We pray that we too may play our part in ending torture
We pray for strength and steadfastness in the work
of repairing the world.
In all things may we honor you and the dignity of each person.
Amen.
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