International Day in Support of Victims of Torture

First, on 26 June 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.

Second, 26 June 1987 was when the United Nations Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment came into effect.

[3] On 16 July 2009, the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture was chosen as a public holiday in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Both the General Assembly and the Human Rights Council have now strongly urged States to establish and support rehabilitation centers or facilities.Every year the IRCT monitors the campaign plans of organizations around the world and towards the end of the year publishes the 26 June Global Report where it describes the events held in commemoration of the day.

Anti-torture networks in various Asian countries that still suffer from the widespread use of torture hold rallies and public events.