DUSHANBE, June 26, 2015, Asia-Plus – An action entitled “Say No to Torture” took place in Dushanbe on June 26.

The action, dedicated to the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, was held by the NGO Coalition against Torture in Tajikistan in Vefa Center under support of the OSCE Office in Tajikistan and the Tajik Branch of the Open Society Institute/Assistance Foundation (OSI/AF-Tajikistan).

A photo exhibition telling the stories of the torture victims was organized.  The action was attended by representatives of government bodies, local NGOs and international organizations active in the country as well as media.

The United Nations International Day in Support of Torture is held annually on June 26 to speak out against the crime of torture and to honor and support victims and survivors throughout the world.

The day was selected by the United Nations General Assembly for two reasons.  First, on June 26, 1945, the United Nations Charter was signed – the first international instrument obliging UN members to respect and promote human rights.  Second, June 26, 1987 was when the United Nations Convention Against Torture came into effect.  The decision to annually observe the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture was taken by the UN General Assembly at the proposal of Denmark, which is home to the world-renowned International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims (IRCT).  The first 26 June events were launched in 1998. Since then, nearly 100 organization in dozens of countries all over the world mark the day each year with events, celebrations and campaigns.

Right to Rehabilitation (R2R) has been chosen as the theme for the 26 June 2015 campaign to allow the International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims (IRCT) movement to showcase the vital role it plays in ensuring as many torture survivors as possible have access to the rehabilitation they need and have a right to.