International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, 26 June
Torture is a crime. Survivors deserve support.
Why this day matters
Torture is absolutely prohibited under international law. It can never be justified — not by war, not by “national security”, not by any circumstance. The systematic or widespread use of it is a crime against humanity.
On 12 December 1997, the UN General Assembly set aside 26 June to stand with the hundreds of thousands of people tortured around the world, and to push for its total eradication. The date also marks 26 June 1987, when the UN Convention Against Torture came into effect. Today, 174 countries are parties to it.
The reality
Torture seeks to break a person’s dignity — physically and mentally. Yet it continues. With more armed conflicts globally, reports of torture rise too. No law, no crisis, and no institution gives an excuse for it. As the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture notes: “Disciplined forces know the rules. Torture is prohibited in all circumstances. There are no excuses.”
Healing is possible
Recovery takes specialized care. Rehabilitation centres worldwide help survivors move from horror to healing through medical, legal, psychological, and social support.
The UN Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture, set up in 1981, funds that work. It helps human rights defenders, children, refugees, people deprived of liberty, and others — including families of survivors — access the services they need to rebuild their lives.
What the law says
- 1948: Universal Declaration of Human Rights condemns torture.
- 1984/1987: The Convention Against Torture was adopted and came into force.
- 2002: The Optional Protocol added inspections of detention places and National Preventive Mechanisms to stop torture before it starts.
Torture means any act that intentionally inflicts severe physical or mental pain by, or with the consent of, a public official — for information, punishment, intimidation, coercion, or discrimination. Lawful sanctions” are not included.
What we can do today
1. Speak up: Reject any justification for torture. Silence protects perpetrators, not people.
2. Support survivors: Back rehabilitation centres and the UN Fund that help victims heal and seek justice.
3. Hold systems accountable: Ask for independent monitoring of places of detention and stronger enforcement of the Convention Against Torture.
Torture destroys, but dignity can be restored.
Today, we listen to survivors, we reject excuses, and we stand for a world free of torture.
#26June #StandAgainstTorture
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