International Day in Support of Victims of Torture: A Global Commitment to Justice and Human Dignity
June 26, 2025 – Observed annually, the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture serves as a solemn reminder of the devastating impact of torture and a global call to eliminate this brutal practice. Established by the United Nations, the day reaffirms the international community’s unwavering stance against torture in all its forms, while honoring the resilience and courage of survivors worldwide.
Despite a universal prohibition under international law, acts of torture persist in various regions, often shrouded in secrecy. This observance aims to shine a light on such violations, encouraging transparency, justice, and comprehensive support for those affected.
Why This Day Matters:
Raising Awareness: It brings global attention to the ongoing use of torture, especially in hidden detention centers and conflict zones. The day urges societies to confront these abuses and challenge systems that allow them to continue.
Standing with Survivors: This day stands as a beacon of solidarity with victims, recognizing their pain and amplifying their voices in the fight for justice and healing.
Promoting Prevention: It highlights the legal and moral obligation of all nations to prevent torture through strict laws, training for officials, and oversight bodies to ensure accountability.
Supporting Rehabilitation: The focus extends to recovery, advocating for holistic care—medical, psychological, legal, and social—to help survivors rebuild their lives with dignity.
Pursuing Accountability: The day reinforces the need to bring perpetrators to justice, ensuring that impunity is not tolerated under any circumstances.
Ultimately, this international day is not only about remembrance—it is about action. It calls on governments, institutions, and individuals to unite in the pursuit of a world where torture is never justified, never ignored, and never repeated.
