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.

IRCT Statement for a global reading on the occasion of the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, 26 June 2012

STATEMENTS & DECLARATIONS
IRCT Statement for a global reading on the occasion of the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, 26 June 2012

Today marks the UN International Day in Support of the Victims of Torture. It provides us with an opportunity to honour the victims and survivors of torture, and for us all, survivors of torture and their allies, to stand in solidarity.

Despite its absolute prohibition torture continues to be a global phenomenon: both physical and psychological torture. Torture is today prevalent in over half the world’s countries. This is a disgrace in the twenty-first century.

Its victims are men, women – often targeted by rape and other sexual torture, and also, children. Torture victims are disproportionately from marginalized groups, in particular the poor, but also women and minority groups.