AOF Activities & Events
In 1997, the United Nations General Assembly passed resolution 52/149, establishing June 26 as the United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture.
The goal is the eradication of torture and the effective functioning of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (resolution 39/46, annex, 26 June 1987). This day gives us all an opportunity to stand united against cruelty, and remind the world that torture is a violation of basic human rights.
Clearly the abolition of torture is a key issue to freethinkers and humanists, and too often the worst perpetrators of this atrocity are highly religious societies. But secular societies have been far from innocent of it. This is a cause where we can often join hands with our religious brothers and sisters.
Take a moment on this day to visit the United Nations webpage for this secular holiday.
“At a time when the legitimate aspirations of people in many regions of the world for greater freedom, dignity and a better life are too often met with violence and repression, I urge States to respect the fundamental rights of all people. Torture and other forms of cruel, degrading and inhuman treatment and punishment, wherever they occur and whatever the circumstances, can never be justified.”
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
Message for the International Day in
Support of Victims of Torture, 2011