The American Human Rights Council (AHRC-USA) joins the world human rights community in recognizing the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture on June 26. The United Nations has designated June 26 as the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture to support victims of torture and draw attention to the ongoing challenge of the illegal and immoral use of torture. The decision to annually observe the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture was taken by the UN General Assembly. The United Nations has condemned torture from the outset as one of the most vile acts perpetrated by human beings on their fellow human beings. Torture is a crime under international law and it should be prohibited by all countries in the world.

Former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan stated regarding this day: “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.”

AHRC joins the world’s human rights community in calling for an end for all forms of torture. AHRC affirms the basic human right of every individual to personal dignity free from the inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment that torture represents. AHRC supports all efforts towards promoting awareness of the evils of torture, advocating for an end to torture and providing support and rehabilitation to the  victims and survivors of torture.

To read more about this international effort visit: http://www.irct.org/our-work/day-against-torture-on-26-june/campaign-kit.aspx

“Torture is a stubborn problem. Unfortunately, there people in the world still suffering from torture. On this day we hope to raise awareness of this problem and the importance of providing support to the victims and survivors of torture,” said Imad Hamad, AHRC executive director.

The AHRC mandate states, “We will provide advocacy and other related services wherever the restoration of human rights is essential to peoples’ well-being. The AHRC will work to ensure that the rights of prisoners, and their families, are recognized and defended. Although AHRC will primarily focus on the United States, it will work in conjunction with any organization which can help us achieve our mission of protecting human rights around the world, regardless of geographical or other boundaries.”

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *