International Day in Support of Victims of Torture
RCT and partner organisations speak out against torture on the UN International Day in Support of Victims of Torture.
The International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, June 26,
is an occasion to raise awareness about the sad truth that everyday
people around the world is still subjected to torture. RCT and
partner organisations around the globe dedicate the day to a range
of different activities.
In the Philippines about 350 individuals from the Philippine
National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP),
Commission on Human Rights (CHR), Civil Society Organisation (CSOs)
and non-governmental organisation (NGOs) will gather together in a
two-hour protest run with the theme "Anti-torture law: pass now!"
for the passage of House Bill 5709 and Senate Bill 1978 into the
Anti-Torture Law Partner organisation BALAY is taking part in this
event.
Hong Kong based Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) arranges an
online live program on "A Crime against Humanity: Torture in Asia".
The AHRC will also kick off a year-long campaign for the effective
criminalisation of torture with the live program, featuring a panel
of experts taking real-time questions from viewers on the problems
of torture and its implications.
In Honduras the Centro para la Prevención, Tratamiento y
Rehabilitación de Víctimas de Tortura y sus Familiares will host a
press conference giving recommendations of the UN Committe Against
Torture to the Honduras State. An appeal for the implementation of
the National Prevention Mechanism Law of OPCAT approved by Honduras
Congress in December 2008 is also set to be launched.
In Johannesburg the South African No Torture Consortium and
Constitution, among other supported by RCT, is organising a
commemoration that will include a speech by Mr. Mpho Masemola,
National Deputy Secretary, ex-political Prisoners Association,
about Torture and Leadership. The programme also includes
testimonies by survivors, a remembrance ceremony for torture
survivors and recognition awards for people who have contributed to
the rehabilitation of torture survivors and the prevention of
torture. The day ends with a screening of the documentary "My
Brother's Keeper" by Danish filmmaker Jorgen F.
Pedersen.
Finally in Denmark, RCT is focusing on the special needs of
torture with an open skills-building seminar for Danish
professionals working with traumatized refugee families