International Day in Support of Victims of Torture; Biden: Torture is Illegal and Immoral

On Monday, June 26, coinciding with the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, U.S. President Joe Biden issued a statement declaring that torture is prohibited everywhere and at all times. According to Biden, "torture is an illegal, immoral act, and a stain on our collective conscience." He emphasized the United States' opposition to all forms of inhumane treatment and reiterated Washington's commitment to eliminating torture and assisting victims of torture. In another part of his statement, the U.S. President mentioned evidence of horrific brutality by Russian forces, including the use of whips, electric shocks, mock executions, and sexual violence in Ukraine. He noted that there are numerous reports of torture being used within Russia, Syria, and North Korea as well. At the end of his statement, Biden called on the international community to join him in supporting rehabilitation and justice for victims of torture and to act towards the permanent elimination of torture and inhumane treatment. The U.S. State Department also issued a statement expressing its support for victims and survivors of torture worldwide. This statement highlighted the absolute prohibition of torture in U.S. law and international law, honoring the courage, humanity, and dignity of torture victims globally. The U.S. is the largest contributor to the "UN Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture." The UN General Assembly, on December 12, 1997, designated June 26 as the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture. The UN considers this day an opportunity to invite all member states, civil society, and individuals everywhere to support the hundreds of thousands of past and present victims of torture worldwide.