DUSHANBE, June 26, 2014, Asia-Plus – An action entitled “Say No to Torture” is being held in Dushanbe today.

The action that is dedicated to the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture is being held by the NGO Coalition against Torture in Tajikistan 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 is being organized.  Three new stories about young border guards, who have become victims of hazing, will be presented.  

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.

“Fighting Impunity” is the theme for this year''s campaign. Impunity is the failure of the state to fully investigate violations; to bring to justice and punish perpetrators; to provide victims with effective remedies; and to take all necessary steps to prevent a recurrence of the violation.