International Day in Support of Victims of Torture Date in the current year: June 26, 2024

The date of June 26 was selected for two reasons. First, on that day in 1945, 51 original member states of the United Nations signed the United Nations Charter, the foundational treaty of the UN. Second, on June 26, 1987, the United Nations Convention Against Torture entered into effect. The observance was originally proposed by Denmark.

Torture is the act of deliberately inflicting severe pain (either physical or psychological) and possibly injury. In modern society, torture is considered a violation of human rights and a crime under international law. It is declared unacceptable by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Geneva Conventions and the UN Convention Against Torture.

International Day in Support of Victims of Torture focuses on speaking out against torture as well as honoring and supporting victims and survivors of torture throughout the world. Every year, Member States and organizations around the worlds hold events in commemoration of the day. They include (but are not limited to) conferences, peaceful rallies, workshops, etc.