In addition, ZLHR calls upon the authorities to prioritise the
establishment of specialised rehabilitation programmes to assist
victims and survivors of torture.
International Day In Support of Victims of Torture is observed every
year on 26 June. It is an opportunity for United Nations (UN) Member
States, civil society and individuals to unite in support of victims
of torture across the globe.
International Day In Support of Victims of Torture was established by
a proclamation of the UN General Assembly on 12 December 1997. Its
establishment was meant to demonstrate a global commitment towards the
total eradication of torture and reiterate the aspirations of the
Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading
Treatment or Punishment.
Torture is considered to be a crime under international law. It can be
defined as the intentional infliction of severe pain or suffering on
another human being by or with the consent of a public official or a
person acting in an official capacity for reasons which include
intimidation, coercion, the extraction of information or the
infliction of a punishment. Torture is particularly detestable as it
violates the inherent dignity of a person and their right to bodily
integrity. In addition, the impact of torture extends beyond the
direct victim of the act because it can have adverse psychological
effects on the family of the victim. Unresolved trauma can sometimes
lead to a cycle of violence which is transmitted to future
generations. Torture continues to be a scourge across the globe
despite the absolute prohibition of torture under international law
treaties such as the Declaration on the Protection of All Persons from
Being Subjected to Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading
Treatment or Punishment.
In Zimbabwe, there continues to be a distressing trend of torture by
suspected state agents. Human rights defenders and some suspects of
crime have been victims. This practice of torture persists despite the
entrenchment of a right to freedom from torture or cruel, inhuman or
degrading treatment or punishment in section 53 of the Constitution of
Zimbabwe. The incidents of torture are seldom investigated by the
authorities and the perpetrators of these vile acts are not held
accountable for their actions. The failure to prosecute these
perpetrators is detestable. It is also a flagrant disregard of binding
international law and an affront to the victims of torture.
Authorities should therefore prosecute all perpetrators of torture.
On this International Day In Support of Victims of Torture, ZLHR calls upon:
• The public to join the rest of the world in supporting victims of torture;
• The public to demand that authorities prosecute perpetrators of
torture in order to bring the abhorrent practice to an end;
• The authorities to prioritise the establishment of specialised
rehabilitation programmes that are meant to assist victims of torture
in the process of healing from the horrors of torture.