International Day in Support of Victims of Torture

View our slideshow '24hrs in the life of a torture survivor'

Today, June 26^th, marks the 20^th anniversary of the coming into force of the United Nations Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.

Commemorated as the UN International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, it is an opportunity to raise awareness that torture is still a widespread practice, focus on the plight of those who have survived its horrors, highlight their right to care and treatment, and campaign for an end to the use of torture.

The Medical Foundation for the Care of Victims of Torture joins with scores of human rights and torture rehabilitation organisations around the world in showing you the real face of torture today. We believe the most compelling way to do this is through the lens of one of the many thousands of torture survivors we have treated over the past two decades.

Through the power of his prose poetry, our client, who has been granted refuge in the United Kingdom, reflects on the past and a survivor’s hopes for the future.

The story he presents is a powerful testimony to the suffering of the many thousands of people who continue to be tortured in countries around the world today, and every day.

This survivor is now receiving the care and treatment he so very much needs and deserves. But he remains haunted by the fact that he was tortured simply for expressing his views – a crime in his country, and in so many others.

Please look at his work, and remember with us all those who have faced horrific ordeals. Give voice to survivors by sending this message on to those in your community who care about the true cost of oppression and those who may not even be aware of it.

The practice of torture seeks to destroy our common humanity. Are we really content to stand by while that happens? Join the Medical Foundation in demanding an end to torture today!

Yours truly,

Simon Carruth
Chief Executive
Medical Foundation for the Care of Victims of Torture