FOREWORD: On 26 June each year, people and organisations committed to supporting torture victims to rebuild their lives observe the UN International Day in Support of Victims of Torture. This is the prime occasion to commemorate the plight of victims of torture. Rehabilitation centres spend the day creating spaces for victims to share their stories and experiences with then world, advocating for victims’ rights and showcasing their achievements for the year.

26 June 2015 coincided with the beginning of a new strategic period for the IRCT, where the effective implementation of the right of torture victims to rehabilitation is the unique focus and objective for the organisation. This is in recognition that rehabilitation is a right in urgent need of realisation and that achieving it will make a significant contribution to the empowerment of torture victims everywhere. Collective action is part of the DNA of the rehabilitation movement and this year’s commemoration under the theme, “Right to Rehabilitation Now” was a strong affirmation of this principle.

Under this banner, 88 organisations across the movement marked 26 June with activities, such as victims’ testimonies, petitions for legislative change, seminars, theatrical and
other art performances, exhibitions, peaceful protests, participation in radio and TV shows, engagement with local journalists, tree planting and events bringing victims, rehabilitation centres, local and international decision-makers together to explore how to make the right to rehabilitation a reality. All over the world, the message was clear that states and all other relevant stakeholders must do much more to ensure that victims of torture and ill-treatment receive the rehabilitation they are entitled to, and urgently need.

The IRCT looks forward to continuing to facilitate the UN International Day in Support of Victims of Torture. In the coming years, we will work towards supporting a commemoration responsive to victim needs in their specific national context, and at the same time create new opportunities for IRCT members to take collective action towards effective implementation.