Home Understanding International Days International Day in Support of Victims of Torture

Internationally Recognized Days other days   June 26: International Day in Support of Victims of Torture For the first time there is a special day to focus on helping torture victims and ending torture -- the United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture -- to be observed every year on 26 June. Torture is one of the most profound human rights abuses, taking a terrible toll on millions of individuals and their families. Rape, blows to the soles of the feet, suffocation in water, burns, electric shocks, sleep deprivation, shaking and beating are commonly used by torturers to break down an individual's personality. As terrible as the physical wounds are, the psychological and emotional scars are usually the most devastating and the most difficult to repair. Many torture survivors suffer recurring nightmares and flashbacks. They withdraw from family, school and work and feel a loss of trust. In her message for the Day, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mary Robinson, urged all governments to ratify the UN Convention against torture to ensure that it is a crime in their domestic law and to rigorously pursue perpetrators and bring them to justice. Search TIG for International Day in Support of Victims of Torture Visit the official website for 'International Day in Support of Victims of Torture' Send an e-card... Do you know a victim of torture? Overcoming incidents of severe trauma, such as torture, can be a lifelong challenge. Victims need as much care and sympathy as we can give them. On TakingITGlobal.org, you can surprise someone you know with a compassionate e-card. It just might make their day! Click below to send this inspirational message! Participate here... Check out other tools on the Site Map