United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture2026 · Date · History · Messages · Quotes
A/RES/52/149
About United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture
The United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture is observed on 26 June. The General Assembly proclaimed the day in 1997 to support victims and advance the total eradication of torture and the effective functioning of the Convention against Torture.
The prohibition of torture is absolute under international law. The observance focuses on survivors, prevention, accountability, rehabilitation and redress.
Why United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture matters
The Day recognizes the dignity and rights of people who have survived torture and calls attention to the obligation to prevent torture in detention, conflict, policing and other contexts.
Responsible observance should be survivor-centred, avoid graphic or voyeuristic descriptions, protect confidentiality, and distinguish documented allegations and findings from unverified claims.
History of United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture
The General Assembly acted on the recommendation of the Economic and Social Council, reflected in ECOSOC decision 1997/251 of 22 July 1997.
On 12 December 1997, the General Assembly adopted resolution A/RES/52/149 and proclaimed 26 June the United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture.
The first observance took place on 26 June 1998. The date marks the entry into force of the Convention against Torture on 26 June 1987; UN material also notes that the United Nations Charter was signed on 26 June 1945.
How the observance developed
This timeline uses documented milestones from reviewed sources. Missing stages are left out rather than guessed.
United Nations Economic and Social Council
UN reference material states that the General Assembly proclaimed the Day on the recommendation of ECOSOC decision 1997/251.
United Nations General Assembly
UN General Assembly resolution A/RES/52/149
First documented observance
UN press material announced 26 June 1998 as the first observance; the 2000 UN notice calls 2000 the third International Day.
What the evidence establishes
Confirmed institutional roles and milestones are shown first. Details that could not be established from the reviewed sources are listed separately below.
3 fields not established in reviewed sources
Also known as
Torture Abolition Day
How to Observe United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture
Learn the absolute prohibition of torture and the obligations set out in the Convention against Torture.
Support credible survivor-rehabilitation, legal-aid or documentation organizations while respecting confidentiality and informed consent.
Use OHCHR, treaty-body and UN Voluntary Fund resources rather than graphic social-media material when educating others.
Discuss prevention mechanisms, accountability and redress without assuming that one survivor’s experience represents all victims.
United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture Facts
The Day is observed on 26 June.
The General Assembly adopted A/RES/52/149 on 12 December 1997.
The proclamation followed ECOSOC decision 1997/251.
For United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, the first observance took place on 26 June 1998.
26 June marks the 1987 entry into force of the Convention against Torture.
United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture Messages
May United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture be marked with reflection, respect and a renewed commitment to protect human dignity.
Remembering on United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture means listening carefully, resisting distortion and carrying the lessons of history forward.
On United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, may memory lead to responsibility, empathy and thoughtful action.
May this United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture honour those at its heart through sincere remembrance rather than empty words.
On United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, we remember with dignity and make space for the people, families and communities whose experiences must not be forgotten.
United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture Quotes
“The prohibition of torture is absolute – under all circumstances.”
Topic and context
What this page does not assume
- Keep the source-defined country, community, organizer or institutional scope; do not silently broaden it.
- Do not treat the title alone as proof of government recognition or public-holiday status.
- Do not add a creator, founding story or origin claim unless the supporting evidence establishes it.
- Remembrance Civic Context Care.
Evidence & sources
Sources used across the guide are gathered here. Labels show how each source supports the page, and contextual references are kept separate from primary evidence.
United Nations Digital Library — A/RES/52/149 (opens in a new tab)
United Nations — International Day in Support of Victims of Torture (opens in a new tab)
Intergovernmental
United Nations Meetings Coverage — first observance, 26 June 1998 (opens in a new tab)
United Nations — List of International Days and Weeks (opens in a new tab)
United Nations — Observances: who chooses them and how (opens in a new tab)
United Nations — Secretary-General message / A/53/283 (opens in a new tab)
Understand it, compare it, then explore further
Start with the most common factual questions, then compare closely related observances and explore useful connections.
Frequently asked questions
When is United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture?
26 June The documented recurrence rule is: 26 June.
Does United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture fall on the same date every year?
Yes. It uses a fixed annual date unless stronger evidence changes the pattern.
Is United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture an official public holiday?
The reviewed sources verify it within this scope: United Nations / international observance. That recognition does not by itself make it a statutory public holiday; the site only makes public-holiday claims when reliable evidence explicitly does so.
Who established or recognizes United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture?
The reviewed sources identify United Nations General Assembly as the proclaiming or establishing body. The proposer or originator is recorded separately as United Nations Economic and Social Council.
Is United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture international or country-specific?
The documented scope is international or global: United Nations / international observance. That does not mean every country treats the date as a public holiday or observes it in the same way.
How is this page verified?
The factual information is checked against reviewed sources, including the date pattern, scope and institutional history. This page was checked on 2026-09-05.
When was the UN International Day in Support of Victims of Torture established?
The General Assembly proclaimed the Day through A/RES/52/149 on 12 December 1997, following an ECOSOC recommendation.
Why is it observed on 26 June?
26 June marks the date in 1987 when the Convention against Torture entered into force. UN material also notes that the UN Charter was signed on 26 June 1945.
When was the first observance?
United Nations records identify 26 June 1998 as the first observance.
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