Press Release

The ICHRRF was founded on the principles that all lives are deserving and worthy of fair treatment, free speech, cultural preservation and religious freedom.

Torture is an unjustifiable international crime. It is one of the most revolting acts of violence perpetuated on human beings by other human beings. It denies and destroys the inherent dignity of its victims. Torture practices are systematic and widespread crimes against humanity and must end immediately. Torture has historically occurred to extract confessions or information out of individuals, has been used as a form of punishment, and to exert control by spreading fear.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly, condemned torture, cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment with international support in 1948. Nongovernmental organizations also became involved in these Human Rights efforts in 1975. Subsequently, the General Assembly adopted the Declaration on the Protection of All Persons from Being Subjected to Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, there were focused efforts to prevent torture and enforce laws.

The United Nations Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture was established by the General Assembly in 1981 to provide financial assistance to organizations that assist victims of torture and their families. The Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment or Punishment was adopted by the General Assembly in 1984 and came into effect 26 June 1987. Presently ratified by over 160 countries, its implementation by States parties is monitored by the Committee against Torture, an independent body of experts. On June 12, 1997, the UN General Assembly proclaimed International Day in Support of Victims of Torture on June 26^th with the goal of fully eradicating torture.

The ICHRRF commits itself to amplifying the voices of the victims of torture and advocates for all governments and non-state entities to enforce local, national and international laws to hold perpetrators accountable while disincentivizing these atrocities.