International Day in Support of Victims of Torture 2024: Know Date, History and Significance of the Global Event
International Day in Support of Victims of Torture holds great significance as the day encourages people to express our solidarity and support thousands of victims of torture and their family members throughout the world who endure such suffering.
Every year, International Day in Support of Victims of Torture is observed annually on June 26 in several countries around the world. This day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1997 to emphasise the need for the total eradication of torture. The global event encourages individuals to speak out against the crime of torture and serves as an opportunity to honour and support victims and survivors throughout the world. The decision to observe the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture annually was taken by the UNGA at the proposal of Denmark, which is home to the world-renowned International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims (IRCT). In this article, let’s know more about the history and significance of the global event.
International Day in Support of Victims of Torture 2024 Date
International Day in Support of Victims of Torture 2024 will be observed on Wednesday, June 26.
History
On December 12, 1997, the UN General Assembly proclaimed June 26 the United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture by resolution 52/149. The day was established with a view to the total eradication of torture and the effective functioning of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.
The day was selected by the United Nations General Assembly for two reasons. First, on June 26, 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 second, June 26, 1987 was when the United Nations Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment came into effect.
Significance
International Day in Support of Victims of Torture holds great significance as the day encourages people to express our solidarity and support thousands of victims of torture and their family members throughout the world who endure such suffering. On this day, various events like seminars and workshops are organised to increase public awareness about torture and the need to uphold human rights. It encourages governments, organisations, and individuals to take action against torture and ill-treatment.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 26, 2024 01:49 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).