International Day in Support of Victims of Torture 2021 -June 26

The United Nations(UN)’s International Day in Support of Victims of Torture is annually observed across the Globe on 26th June to create awareness about the sufferings of the victims of torture and to support and honour the victims and survivors across the globe.

• Various organisations like the International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims(IRCT) and Amnesty International, plays a major role in promoting the day through organising various events across the globe.

Aim:

• To eradicate the torture.
• To ensure the effective functioning of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.

Background:

i.The United Nations General Assembly(UNGA) adopted the resolution A/RES/52/149 on 12th December 2021 and proclaimed the 26th June of every year as the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture.

ii.The First International Day in Support of Victims of Torture was observed on 26th June 1998. 

Why June 26?

26th June marks the date on which the UN Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment came into effect (1987).

• The UNGA adopted the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment or Punishment in 1984.
• 162 countries have given formal consent to the convention.

Efforts to support the torture victims:

i.The UN Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture, administered by the UN Human Rights Office in Geneva, channels the funds to support the victims of torture and their families.

ii.In 1975 the UNGA adopted the Declaration on the Protection of All Persons from Being Subjected to Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment which state that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted by the United Nations General Assembly condemns the torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment.

What constitutes torture?

i.According to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, torture is defined as the act in which severe pain or suffering, whether physical or mental, is intentionally inflicted on a person to obtain information or confession or to punish a person.

ii.Torture does not include the pain or suffering arising only from, inherent in or incidental to lawful sanctions.