Torture and its aftermath

Article 5 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights stipulates that “No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.” The practice of torture is a crime in all circumstances and situations, even in times of war and unrest. The torture of any human being cannot be permitted under any circumstance or any justification, whether the torture is physical, psychological, or even verbal.

But the reality is that there are thousands of cases of torture in many countries of the world, and many victims of torture die, but few of them become survivors and are given a new life. For these, the UN General Assembly has designated June 26 of each year as the United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture.

In the Arab region - like the rest of the world - cases of torture are repeated in some countries, especially those witnessing wars and instability. In Yemen, Syria and Palestine, people have suffered from torture for various reasons. Recently, cases of torture have increased in Palestine due to the war in Gaza. According to a joint statement by the Palestinian Commission for Detainees and Ex-Detainees Affairs (governmental) and the Palestinian Prisoners Club (non-governmental) on the occasion of the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, the announced number of Palestinians who have died in Israeli prisons and camps since October 7, 2023, has reached at least 18 Palestinians.

On the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, the world discovers its inability to protect people and implement international laws and conventions. Despite countries signing and declaring their commitment to covenants and agreements, they ignore all of that and fall into the forbidden. In addition, the international community admits that it is still unable to do anything to restore the rights of the tortured and make them forget that period of their lives.

If the Middle East region suffers from conflicts and therefore some people fall under torture, then many countries around the world also witness this practice. But the most important thing remains to help and support the victims who survive torture, as they need physical and psychological health care, as well as rehabilitation and reintegration into society. Above all, the perpetrators of the crime of torture need to be held accountable.