Int’l Day in Support of Victims of Torture being observed today

International Day in Support of Victims of Torture is being observed on Friday.

The UN International Day in Support of Victims of Torture on 26 June marks the moment in 1987 when the UN Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, one of the key instruments in fighting torture, came into effect.

Torture seeks to annihilate the victim’s personality and denies the inherent dignity of the human being. Despite the absolute prohibition of torture under international law, torture persists in all regions of the world.

In his message on the occasion, Minister for information and Broadcasting Shibli Faraz said the day is aimed at drawing the world’s attention towards the victims of violence.

He said the Kashmir issue is an international long-standing conflict as the brutal Indian forces are subjecting the innocent Kashmiri people of oppression and persecution.

The Information Minister urged the international community to exert pressure on India for peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute.

He said elimination of violence at the international and social level is of vital importance for which all the conflicts will have to be resolved in a peaceful manner. 

On her part, Minister of Human Rights Shireen Mazari has reaffirmed the commitment of the state to protect citizens from torture and uphold their fundamental human Rights.

She said the government is committed to eliminating the inhumane practice of torture.

Shireen Mazari also raised the issue of Kashmiris in Occupied Kashmir by the Indian Occupation forces, particularly with regard to the cruel treatment of women and the youth in custody.