International Day in Support of Victims of Torture is observed every year to remind people that human torture is unacceptable and to support those who have been victims of torture in the past. Although concerns about national security have been a convenient reason to allow for torture, the insidious effects of torture can lead to a cycle of violence that further jeopardizes everyone’s safety. Therefore, torture is an act that must be unacceptable in modern society and should be a practice that’s relegated to the past. This holiday falls on June 26th annually.

The History of International Day in Support of Victims of Torture

The UN General Assembly decided to annually observe this holiday after it was proposed by Denmark. Denmark is home to the International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims. June 26th was chosen for this holiday because it is the date when the UN Charter was signed during World War II, obliging all member states to promote and respect human rights. It is also the date when the UN Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment was proclaimed in 1987.

Observing International Day in Support of Victims of Torture

Human rights organizations and rehabilitation centers all over the world observe this holiday on June 26th every year. There are usually seminars, photo exhibitions, and other events designed to raise the public’s awareness about the horrors of torture. All over the world, commercials are run on TV, and posters are distributed as another way to spread the news about the negative effects of torture. People may also spread the word about this day using the hashtags #VictimsOfTorture or #TortureVictimsDay on their social media accounts. It’s a day for everyone around the world to take a stand against torture until its practice is completely eradicated from the world.