UN marks international day supporting torture victims

The United Nations marked the 27th International Day in Support of Victims of Torture on Wednesday, highlighting ongoing global concerns, particularly in Palestine and Syria. 

The Convention Against Torture has been in force since June 26, 1987.

The date was designated an international day in 1997 to raise awareness and support for torture victims. 

Despite international frameworks prohibiting torture, violations persist due to conflicts and discrimination, underscoring the need for stronger UN actions. 

Recent reports highlight Israel’s treatment of Palestinians and abuses in Syrian prisons, while Guantanamo Bay continues to symbolize prolonged detention without trial. 

These issues persist despite calls for reform and justice for victims globally.

According to the Palestinian human rights organization Addameer Prisoner Support and Human Rights Association, 233 Palestinians died in Israeli custody between 1967 and 2023. 

Of those, 73 deaths resulted from torture.

Since the onset of the civil war in March 2011, Syria has witnessed rampant human rights abuses. 

The Syrian Network for Human Rights reports 15,334 people, including 199 children and 115 women, have died due to torture.

In Guantanamo Bay, 779 Muslim detainees have faced severe torture without formal charges or trials.

According to figures released by Amnesty International, there are 30 Muslims now held in detention for more than 22 years without any trial. 

Among them, 16 have been abandoned to their fate despite proposals from US national security agencies to transfer them out of Guantanamo.