Washington, DC., 26 June 2025 ——
The International Day in Support of Victims of Torture serves as a global call for justice and dignity. It is a poignant reminder of the ongoing fight against one of humanity’s most inhumane practices. The purpose of the day is twofold: to express solidarity with victims and survivors of torture and to reaffirm the universal commitment to eradicate torture in all its forms. It is a day to honor survivors, amplify their voices, and call upon nations and individuals to uphold the dignity and rights of every person.
A Landmark in Human Rights Protection
The 1987 UN Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (UNCAT) remains a cornerstone of international human rights law and laid the legal foundation for the global prohibition of torture. The existing human rights framework, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, lacked a dedicated, binding instrument with enforcement mechanisms. While significant progress has been made in establishing norms and institutions to combat torture, the realization of the Convention’s vision demands continued vigilance, advocacy, and accountability from states and civil society alike.
The Convention against Torture affirms a simple but powerful truth: torture is morally reprehensible and legally indefensible. As we mark decades since its entry into force, the global community must renew its commitment to a world where human dignity is preserved, and where no one is subjected to torture or cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment.
Torture: A Violation of Humanity
Torture is universally condemned and illegal under international law, and yet it continues to be practiced in many parts of the world. From secret detention centers and conflict zones to political prisons and interrogation rooms, the use of torture remains a grave and persistent problem.
Torture leaves lasting scars – physical, psychological, emotional, and societal. Survivors often live with chronic pain, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and the burden of stigma and silence. Families and communities are also deeply affected, especially when torture is used as a tool of repression, fear, or punishment.
Supporting Survivors: A Humanitarian and Moral Imperative
Support for torture victims goes beyond acknowledgment – it requires action. Rehabilitation, justice, and reparation are central components of healing and recovery. International organizations such as the UN Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture and NGOs like the International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims (IRCT) work tirelessly to provide survivors with medical care, psychological support, legal assistance, and reintegration programs.
Governments also bear responsibility. They must not only prevent torture within their borders but also investigate allegations, prosecute perpetrators, and provide redress to victims. Ending impunity is critical to ending torture.
Global Impact
As of 2025, over 170 countries have ratified the Convention, making it one of the most widely accepted human rights treaties. It has spurred legislative reform, inspired national preventive mechanisms, and contributed to the development of regional instruments and case law in human rights courts.
The Convention has also been a foundation for broader initiatives such as the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture (OPCAT), adopted in 2002. OPCAT introduces a system of regular visits to places of detention by independent international and national bodies.
The Convention established the Committee against Torture, a body of independent experts responsible for monitoring implementation by State Parties. The Committee against Torture reviews periodic reports submitted by states and can conduct confidential inquiries, consider individual complaints (under Article 22), and issue recommendations. However, the effectiveness of enforcement depends largely on state cooperation and political will.
Challenges and Ongoing Violations
Despite its widespread ratification, torture and ill-treatment persist in many parts of the world. Common obstacles include the lack of political will or weak rule of law; impunity for state officials; limited resources for enforcement and monitoring; and the use of national security as a pretext for abusive practices.
Moreover, the rise of authoritarianism, political repression, and concerns about terrorism have led to the erosion of safeguards in some countries. Allegations of torture in detention facilities during police interrogations and in armed conflict zones continue to surface regularly.
A Day of Action and Awareness
On 26 June, people around the world engage in events, campaigns, and educational initiatives to raise awareness about the consequences of torture and the rights of survivors. Candlelight vigils, survivor testimonies, artistic performances, and community dialogues help break the silence and encourage public support.
In an era where human rights are increasingly under threat, this day reminds us that dignity and justice are not optional – they are essential. Upholding these values requires vigilance, compassion, and global solidarity.
The International Day in Support of Victims of Torture is not just about reflection; it is a call to action. It challenges us to speak out against cruelty, to stand with those who have suffered, and to work tirelessly for a world where no one is subjected to torture. As long as torture exists, the fight for justice must continue. And as long as there are survivors, the world must listen, support, and never forget.
Photo Credit: A torture chamber with the original bed, leg irons, and an ammunition can (lavatory). Phnom Penh Prison, Cambodia. “Torture Room” by waterboardingorg. Licensed under CC BY 2.0.
Lara Kajs is the founder and executive director of The Genocide Report, an NGO nonprofit organization in Washington, DC. She is the author of Assad’s Syria, and Stories from Yemen: A Diary from the Field, available in e-book, paperback, and hardcover at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Apple Books, and independent bookstores worldwide. Distributed by Ingram. Ms. Kajs frequently speaks about atrocity crimes, forced displacement, state terrorism, and International Humanitarian Law (IHL). Follow and connect with Lara Kajs on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, and Bluesky.