ST. PAUL, Minn. — To honor the United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, 120 civil society organizations joined together in a statement of solidarity with survivors. As the world commemorates this date, the authors call upon the United States and global leaders to uphold their obligations under the Convention Against Torture to support survivors, ensure accountability, and reject inhumane and cruel practices.

Especially in 2026, as the world sees ongoing and escalating abuses perpetrated on a global basis, it is a critical moment to remember the rights all people share under the Convention and to stand up against policies and actions that violate its safeguards. Around the world, individuals are being subjected to excessive use of force, whether in immigration enforcement, detention or protests, as well as an appalling use of removals to third countries where people are at risk of torture or other ill treatment. This is a time when civil society must stand together to condemn such actions and the weakening of laws and due process protections. 

On June 26, we recognize the dire need to end abuses and center the voices of survivors in actions in pursuit of justice. The authors write that survivors of torture “are rights-holders and agents of change. They are entitled to truth, accountability, and to meaningful participation in designing and strengthening justice systems to ensure those systems are survivor centered.”

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The Center for Victims of Torture is a nonprofit organization with offices in Ethiopia, Iraq, Jordan, Kenya, Mexico, Uganda, United States and additional project sites around the world. Visit www.cvt.org