Joint message at the occasion of the international day for victims of torture 2013

Subject: THAILAND: JOINT MESSAGE AT THE OCCASION OF THE INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR VICTIMS OF TORTURE – 26 JUNE 2013

Joint message at the occasion of the international day for victims of torture – 26 June 2013

The International Day in Support of Victims of Torture is an occasion to underscore the internationally recognized right of all human beings to live free from torture as stated by the 1987 Convention against Torture.

Despite important legal and institutional efforts to prevent and prohibit torture, every day in the world, women, men and children are tortured or ill-treated. Rebuilding the life of someone whose dignity has been destroyed takes time and as a result long-term material, medical, psychological and social support is needed.

All torture victims should be provided with justice, effective and prompt redress, compensation and appropriate social, psychological, medical and other forms of rehabilitation. Both the General Assembly and the Human Rights Council have strongly urged States to establish and support rehabilitation centres or facilities, as well as to promote capacity building and exchange of good practices.

The United Nations Trust Fund for Victims of Torture assists individuals and organizations around the world to ease physical and psychological pain, re-start shattered lives and support the right to truth and justice through legal assistance. It is essential for Governments to continue to financially support and cooperate with the Fund.

On this International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, we express our solidarity with and support for the victims of torture and their family members, and reaffirm our collective commitment to prevent and prohibit torture and all cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment.

Pol. Col. Dr. Naras Savestanan is the Director General of the Department of Rights and Liberties Protection at the Ministry of Justice
Luc Stevens is the Resident Coordinator of the United Nations Country Team in Thailand