United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture

United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture

The United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture is an observance held annually to express solidarity with those who have suffered the physical and emotional scars of torture. This day aims to raise awareness about the need to end such inhumane practices and uphold human dignity. Globally, nations gather to show their support for the countless torture victims and to encourage rehabilitation to assist in their journey of healing and reintegration into society.

The United Nations General Assembly established the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture on 12 December 1997 to commemorate the day the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment came into force in 1987. For New Zealanders, this observance is important as it aligns with the country's commitment to upholding human rights and promoting justice. New Zealand is a party to the Convention against Torture, and the nation's continued support for the elimination of torture reflects its dedication to maintaining a just and humane world.

In New Zealand, the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture is observed with various activities designed to educate the public about the issue and provide a means for people to show their support. Community groups, NGOs, and educational institutions may organise events such as panel discussions, film screenings, and commemorative ceremonies. The observance also spotlights the ongoing efforts of local organisations working to support torture victims and advocate for human rights. The United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture is held each year on June 26, providing New Zealanders the opportunity to stand in solidarity with those who have suffered and unite in the global effort to eradicate torture once and for all.

Top 6 Facts for 2026 United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture in NZ

• The United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, observed annually on June 26, marks the dual historical significance of the 1945 signing of the United Nations Charter and the 1987 entry into force of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.
• Public discourse in Aotearoa regarding this observance is heavily influenced by the Government's 2024 formal acknowledgment that torture occurred at the Lake Alice Unit, a landmark decision that has led to ongoing legal and social processes for survivor redress.
• Following a high-profile visit to New Zealand in late 2025, the Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture highlighted urgent concerns regarding the rising prison population and the disproportionate representation of Māori and Pasifika communities within the corrections system.
• The protection of human rights in places of detention is monitored domestically by the National Preventive Mechanism, a collective of independent bodies that regularly scrutinizes facilities through frameworks such as the report First, do no harm: Segregation, Restraint and Pepper Spray use in women's prisons in New Zealand.
• Specialized support for survivors who have resettled in New Zealand as refugees is provided by the Wellington-based organization Refugee Trauma Recovery, which emphasizes the internationally recognized Right to Rehabilitation through holistic medical and psychological care.
• In New Zealand, the date of June 26 is also shared with the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, often leading to collaborative human rights advocacy focused on health-centered approaches to justice and detention.

In the News and Trending in NZ for United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture

Top things to do in NZ for this observance

• Watch the UN's video on torture and how it is done in secret.
• Learn more about the UN's fund for victims of torture.
• Watch a documentary about human rights abuses related to New Zealand's history. Here are our picks:
  1. Operation 8: Deep in the Forest (2011) - This documentary investigates the 2007 anti-terror raids in New Zealand, where the police claimed to have foiled an alleged terrorist plot. The film explores the human rights implications of the raids and their impact on the affected communities.
  2. The Tipping Point (2019) - This documentary looks at the survivor stories of people who have endured conversion therapy in New Zealand, as they speak out against the practice.
  3. The Price of Peace (2015) - This documentary tells the story of Tame Iti, a prominent Maori activist who was arrested and charged with terrorism following the Urewera raids in New Zealand. The film examines issues of state surveillance, human rights, and the rights of indigenous peoples.
• Read a book to learn more about the UN Support of Victims of Torture. Here are some recommendations:
  1. The United Nations Convention Against Torture: A Commentary by Manfred Nowak and Elizabeth McArthur
  2. Torture in New Zealand? by Felicity A. Goodyear-Smith
  3. New Zealand Human Rights Legislation and Practice by Nick Russell & Chris Lawrence