The United Nations Convention Against Torture was initially drafted on June 26, 1984 and formally adopted three years later in 1987. During the drafting of the convention, member states discussed the harsh realties of torture around the world and implemented a strict position against the practice altogether. In doing so, the U.N. instantly set an international precedent for the humane treatment of prisoners, urging all member states to take swift action against torture, both within their own states and abroad. Ever since then, the international community has recognized June 26th as the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, using this day each year to spread awareness about the status of torture globally, and to support those who have been victims of torture in the past.
As the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture 2011 quickly approaches this Sunday, we're each reminded of the great strides that we have made, but also of the many steps that still lie ahead of us in the future. Torture still exists throughout the world today, including in the United States. Human Rights USA is working hard to promote accountability for torture in the United States, and to help victims obtain the justice that they deserve.
If you would like to learn more about Human Rights USA's legal work against the practice of torture and make a donation to support our future efforts, please
click here.
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