International Day in Support of Victims of Torture 2019: History, Significance of the Day for Showing Support to People Who Survived Abuse
Millions are tortured every year by other people. On June 26, let’s all come together to stand by victims of torture and celebrate this day, International Day in Support of Victims of Torture: History and Significance 2019 in their honour.
International Day in Support of Victims of Torture is celebrated every year on June 26. The day is observed for people to come together in support of victims who have been tortured. This day is to understand torture is not only unacceptable but also a crime. The UN declared June 26 as an International Day in Support of Victims of Torture in December 1997. The proposal of this day was made in Denmark, which is home to the world-renowned International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims (IRCT). World Vitiligo Day 2019: Theme, Significance of the Day; How Vitiligo Affects Mental Health.
History of International Day in Support of Victims of Torture
The day of June 26 was selected for two reasons. On June 26 in 1945, the United Nations Charter was signed during the midst of World War II – the first international instrument obliging UN members to respect and promote human rights. And, on June 26 in 1987, the United Nations Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment came into action. The first event was launched in 1998, and since, more than 100 organisations in dozens of countries over the world mark this event and celebrate and campaign.
Significance International Day in Support of Victims of Torture
Despite the law, many still get tortured all around the world. The United Nations has stated, torture from the outset as one of the vilest acts perpetrated by human beings on their fellow beings. The day is observed for people to come together in support of the victims of torture in any kind of way. Torture can leave a mental dent on a person and it requires special help at times. There have been rehab centres in support of victims to help them get over the traumatic experiences they’ve had. The UN Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture, administered by the UN Human Rights Office in Geneva is a unique victim-focused mechanism that accepts funding for the assistance to victims of torture and their families. Donations are accepted as special programmes are necessary to provide the help needed by the victims.
Torture can be in the form of physical or mental. Mentally tortured victims deserve the same love as physically tortured. It’s time for us to stop shaming the victims and stand by them. It is easier to call someone names when they decide to stay in something toxic, but try to understand. Maybe, there is some reason. Millions are tortured every year, regardless of their age. But we don’t even know most of the stories.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 26, 2019 09:06 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).