PHNOM PENH (26 June 2017) - The International Day in Support of Victims of Torture on 26 June marks the moment in 1987 when the UN Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment came into effect. Today the Convention has been ratified by 162 countries, including Cambodia. 26 June is a day for renewed and increased support to this vital mechanism. It is also a reminder of the ongoing plight of tens of thousands of victims who urgently need help. Finally, this day is also a call on all stakeholders, including UN Member States, civil society and individuals everywhere to unite in supporting victims of torture.
Currently, the UN Voluntary Fund for the Victims of Torture is funding two Cambodian organisations helping victims of torture and ill-treatment to heal the consequences to them and their families and find justice for their suffering. With support from the Fund, the Cambodia Human Rights and Development Association (ADHOC) has been providing legal assistance and representation to victims and families, as well as material assistance and referral services, while the Transcultural Psychosocial Organization (TPO) Cambodia has been providing psycho-social support to witnesses and civil parties during the proceedings at the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC). In this brochure a beneficiary of TPO's support shares how the Testimonial Therapy Programme helped him rebuild his life.
For more information, testimonial videos and publications, please go to http://aww.su/zDxwc.