Despite the unequivocal prohibition of torture under international law, this abhorrent practice continues to persist in every corner of the world. Shockingly, there are even individuals who advocate for its use. Oftentimes, concerns surrounding national security and border protection are invoked to justify torture and other forms of cruel, degrading, and inhuman treatment. Since its inception, the United Nations has vehemently condemned torture as one of the most despicable acts committed by human beings against their fellow human beings.
It is a tragedy that victims of torture come from diverse backgrounds, including men, women, and an increasing number of children. They encompass indigenous peoples, minorities, human rights defenders, political adversaries, journalists, migrants, individuals with disabilities, and even ordinary residents of certain neighbourhoods. These victims are chosen randomly or specifically targeted and hunted down. The objective of torture is to strip away the victim’s very essence, annihilating their personality and denying their inherent dignity as a human being. The far-reaching consequences of torture often extend beyond the immediate act, permeating through generations and perpetuating cycles of violence.
In IIOJK, India has used different types to torture to suppress the civilian population. The colonial army has used torture as a weapon of war.
Despite the explicit prohibition of torture in international law, this heinous practice persists across the globe. The pretext of safeguarding national security and borders is increasingly employed to justify acts of torture and other forms of cruelty, inhumanity, and degradation. The United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, observed on June 26th, commemorates the moment in 1987 when the UN Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment came into effect.
This pivotal convention, which serves as a cornerstone in the fight against torture, has been ratified by 162 countries. On this day, we must rally all stakeholders, including UN Member States, civil society organizations, and individuals worldwide, to unite in support of the countless individuals who have suffered the anguish of torture and those who continue to endure it today. The UN Fund stands in solidarity with victims worldwide and pays tribute to the committed professionals who lend their expertise to aid those who have endured torture.
Under all relevant international instruments, torture is categorically prohibited and cannot be justified under any circumstances, whether during times of war, threats of war, internal political upheaval, or any other public emergency or national security situation. This prohibition is entrenched in customary international law, thereby binding every member of the global community, regardless of whether a state has ratified specific treaties that expressly prohibit torture. The systematic or widespread practice of torture amounts to a crime against humanity.