Each year on June 26th, the world observes the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture. This day commemorates the entry into force of the United Nations Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment in 1987. This year, the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) marks this significant day under the powerful theme, “It could be me.” This theme underscores the universal vulnerability to torture, emphasizing that any person could be subjected to it, and reiterates the absolute principle that no individual should be subjected to torture or other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment, regardless of their reputation or alleged crimes.

On this day, it is emphasized that the constitutionally guaranteed fundamental freedom from torture is not limited to physical pain. It also encompasses severe mental pain inflicted by a public officer or other person acting in an official capacity, specifically:

i)  to obtain a confession or information from a victim or third person

ii)  to punish for any act that has been committed or is suspected of having been committed,

iii)  to intimidate or coerce a third person to do or refrain from doing something, or

iv)  for any reason based on discrimination.

Thus, no form of torture or other cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment should be tolerated. All survivors of torture, regardless of the severity of their ordeal, deserve justice, support, and the right to live with dignity.

Read More:

Message of the Chairperson of HRCSL for the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture – 2025