June 26 AMSA-Philippines Solidarity Statement for the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture

June 26 AMSA-Philippines Solidarity Statement for the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture

This day, as the world remembers and honors those who have fallen and survived the menace of torture and ill humane treatment, we AMSA Philippines stand in solidarity with individuals, communities and organizations and to all human rights defenders working against torture.

Torture is the prodigious nemesis of the realization of human rights. It carts off the very essence of human being  - destroying the dignity, will and well-being of the individual and impugns the reason of existence.

Torture had long been denounced by civil communities. Significant works has been established by various entities to curtail the perils of torture and ensure redress for the victims and adequate compensation for its effects.



Time and again, we in the medical profession are reminded of our obligation towards torture victims and our role in their rehabilitation as described in various declarations and treaties. Do no harm and alleviate suffering and distress are the fundamentals invariably found in our codes and ethics. Let these injunctions be our reminder as we future physicians prepare ourselves to be the army of the community we will be serving against assault to human rights and impediments to well-being.

Today, as the world marks the United Nation’s International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, AMSA Philippines upholds the right to redress and rehabilitation of torture victims. We call on our colleagues – the future physicians, to assume the responsibilities embodied in our codes. Compassionate care is in the very art of healing. We need not to wait to be full pledged medical practitioners to prevent torture and ensure rehabilitation of its victims.

For health and human rights!

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Prepared by:
Ethel Joy E. Agaid
National Officer for Human Rights and Peace
norp.amsaphil@gmail.com