International Day in Support of Victims of Torture and the Role of NGOs Worldwide

The International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, observed annually on June 26, is a significant occasion to acknowledge global efforts to combat torture and support its victims. Established by the United Nations in 1987, this day emphasizes the urgent need to end torture and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment.

Torture is defined as any act that inflicts severe physical or mental pain or suffering on an individual to obtain information or a confession, to punish, intimidate, or coerce them. Although torture has been used as a tool for oppression and control since ancient times, it is now widely recognized as a severe violation of human rights and is broadly condemned by the international community.

The Role of NGOs in Combating Torture


While the role of governments in preventing torture is crucial, it is equally important to recognize the significant contributions made by non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in this fight. NGOs play a vital role in combating torture and supporting its victims through various methods:
1. Exposure and Awareness: Many NGOs are dedicated to gathering and disseminating information about instances of torture. This information can take the form of documented reports, field research, victim testimonies, and human rights records. By exposing these abuses, NGOs raise public awareness and put pressure on perpetrators to cease their actions.
2. Support and Treatment for Victims: Numerous NGOs provide medical and psychological services to torture victims. These services include counseling, medical treatments, psychiatric care, and rehabilitation programs. By addressing the physical and mental health needs of survivors, NGOs help them recover and rebuild their lives.
3. Advocacy and Pressure on Governments and International Bodies: NGOs engage in human rights advocacy to compel governments and international organizations to adopt more effective policies and measures against torture. Through lobbying, campaigning, and participating in international forums, NGOs work to hold authorities accountable and push for systemic change.
4. Education and Capacity Building: NGOs also focus on educating and enhancing the capabilities of officials and other relevant groups to prevent torture and uphold human rights. Training programs and workshops aim to increase knowledge and awareness about human rights standards and techniques to prevent torture, ensuring that those in positions of power respect and protect these rights.


The Role of the United Nations in Combating Torture

The United Nations (UN) is one of the most crucial international bodies actively engaged in the fight against torture and in supporting its victims. Through the adoption of resolutions, establishment of monitoring bodies, and provision of technical and financial support to countries, the UN strives to eradicate torture and other inhumane practices.

One of the most significant achievements of the UN in this area is the adoption of the "Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment" in 1984. This convention requires member states to take effective measures to prevent torture and to prosecute those responsible for such acts. To oversee the implementation of this convention, the UN established the "Committee Against Torture" (CAT), composed of independent human rights experts who review periodic reports submitted by countries on their anti-torture efforts and investigate individual complaints.

Additionally, the UN has appointed a "Special Rapporteur on Torture" tasked with conducting independent investigations, visiting countries, gathering information, and providing necessary recommendations to member states and international bodies. This role is essential in maintaining transparency and accountability in the fight against torture.

Through its various offices, the UN conducts educational and capacity-building programs for security forces, judicial personnel, and other relevant entities. These programs are designed to increase awareness and understanding of human rights and techniques for preventing torture, ensuring that those in positions of authority respect and protect human rights.

The UN also provides financial and technical assistance to member states and NGOs through various funds. These contributions are used to support torture victims, provide medical and psychological services, and conduct independent research.

Terrorist Groups and the Use of Torture

The reality is that it is not only governments that resort to torture to achieve their objectives. Terrorist groups and cults have also consistently used torture as a means to their ends. These groups employ torture as a dual-purpose tool: it is used both against their opponents and even ordinary citizens, and internally to silence criticism and dissent within their own ranks. Torture serves as a method of control, intimidation, and the imposition of their ideologies. In Iran, groups such as the Mojahedin-e-Khalq (MEK), the Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan (PDKI), the Kurdistan Free Life Party (PJAK), and Komala have been accused of numerous instances of torture and human rights violations by their victims and through international reports.

Mojahedin-e-Khalq (MEK)

The Mojahedin-e-Khalq (MEK), which presents itself as an opposition group to the Iranian government and is currently based in France and Albania, has been accused of engaging in terrorist operations and military activities against the Iranian government and civilians since the early 1980s. Throughout its years of activity, the MEK has used torture as a tool to maintain internal order and control its members. According to statements from former members, dissenters within the organization have been subjected to torture or even "silent executions." Reports indicate that disgruntled members have endured both psychological and physical torture.

The 2005 Human Rights Watch report titled "No Exit" highlights numerous instances of torture and abuse within the MEK. This report, based on interviews with former members, reveals that dissenters were subjected to physical and psychological torture to prevent them from leaving the organization. Additionally, multiple accounts and evidence suggest that the MEK has tortured Iranian citizens, particularly in the 1980s, using brutal methods such as abduction and burning individuals alive to obtain information.

PJAK, Komola, and KDPI

PJAK (Party of Free Life of Kurdistan) operates in Kurdish regions of Iran and Iraq as a branch of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), alongside the group Komala. The PJAK and Komala organizations have been accused of carrying out armed and terrorist operations against government forces and civilians. Reports from international organizations highlight instances of torture and inhumane treatment by these groups, particularly targeting individuals accused of collaboration with Iranian authorities and internal dissenters.

Similarly, the Kurdistan Democratic Party of Iran (KDPI) is active in Kurdish-populated areas of Iran, despite its official leadership and cadre being based in various parts of Europe. The KDPI has been accused of numerous human rights violations, including torture of dissidents and those accused of collaboration with the Iranian government. Various reports substantiate allegations of brutal treatment and torture within the KDPI's operational zones.

Conclusion

Torture remains one of the most serious human rights violations with devastating impacts on individuals and societies. Imposing restrictions on terrorist and extremist groups, including prosecuting their leaders and perpetrators of torture and abuse, can be a concrete step forward beyond the slogans reiterated annually on June 26th, the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture.

This day serves as an opportunity to underscore the importance of combating such inhumane practices and supporting their victims. NGOs and the United Nations play pivotal roles in this fight, engaging in activities such as advocacy, victim support, pressuring governments to restrict support for terrorist groups that engage in such practices on their soil, and capacity building through education and training. It is hoped that relevant international bodies, the UN, and other affiliated organizations will take more serious and practical steps to address the concerns of torture victims and their families.