El Centro EXIL se adhiere a la campaña del Día Internacional en Soporte de las Víctimas de Tortura liderado por Naciones Unidas.

2016 International Day in Support of Victims of Torture

Why we mark 26 June

The UN International Day in Support of Victims of Torture on 26 June marks the moment in 1987 when the UN Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment came into effect.

The use of torture at any time and under any circumstances is absolutely prohibited under international law. Article14 of the Convention, ratified to date by 159 countries, says that States must ensure that victims obtain redress. This includes the means for as full rehabilitation as possible for all victims, whether adults or children. Article 39 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child provides that States shall take all appropriate measures to promote physical and psychological recovery and social reintegration of child victims of torture.

The use of torture is still widespread

Thousands of victims and their families are in need of specialized assistance that States often fail to provide. The UN Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture fills this gap by financially assisting organizations which in turn give direct medical, psychological, humanitarian, social and legal assistance to victims of torture and their family members.

We’ve been helping torture victims for 35 years

As the world’s oldest human rights fund, the UN Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture was established by the UN General Assembly in 1981. In 2016 it will channel funding for a total net of US$7.1 million to 178 projects providing victim-centered services to more than 47,000 victims, both adults and children in over 81 countries.

26 June is a day for renewed and increased support to this vital mechanism. It is also a reminder of the ongoing plight of tens of thousands of victims who urgently need help.