International Day in Support of Victims of Torture
Aug 1, 2026·1 views
An international day honoring torture victims and survivors worldwide, calling for the total eradication of this crime against humanity.
Date26 June
TopicHuman Rights & Equality
Established1997
Ways to observe this day
Learn about organizations that support and rehabilitate torture survivors
Sign petitions calling for accountability for perpetrators of torture
Share reliable information about the international prohibition of torture
In December 1997, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution designating June 26 as the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, with observances beginning in 1998. The date marks the anniversary of the entry into force of the Convention against Torture in 1987.
Torture is among the most severe human rights violations, leaving deep physical and psychological scars that can last a lifetime. Despite the explicit international prohibition of torture under all circumstances, the practice persists in many parts of the world, often targeting detainees, political dissidents, and victims of conflict.
The day expresses solidarity with torture survivors and supports their recovery, reaffirms that this crime is absolutely prohibited under international law, and calls for holding perpetrators accountable while strengthening prevention and oversight mechanisms in places of detention worldwide.