Torturers must never be allowed to get away with their crimes, and systems that enable torture should be dismantled or transformed.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres

There is an absolute, worldwide prohibition of torture under international law. This degrading and inhuman act, directly violates the inherited dignity all human beings share in common, as equals under the law. 

Even though prohibited and illegal, torture persists around the world. Most common in countries where rule of law is not properly established; in many cases, ruled by authoritarian regimes. 

  1. In 1948, the entire international community condemned torture and other inhuman or degrading acts in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. 
  2. In 1975, with much pressure from various NGOs around the world, the UN General Assembly adopted the Declaration on the Protection of All Persons from Being Subjected to Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.
  3. The Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment or Punishment was adopted by the General Assembly in 1984 and came into force in 1987.
  4. On 12 December 1997, by resolution 52/149, the UN General Assembly proclaimed June 26th the United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, with a view to the total eradication of torture and the effective functioning of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.

The HRI condemns acts of torture and is constantly working to defend victims and promote action towards torturers. A year since our foundation we have taken action in the cases of Raif Badawi, Nasrin Sotoudeh, Venezuelan political prisoners and many more who need a voice. We stand against all forms of repression in every corner of the world.