The International Day in Support of Victims of Torture was established by the United Nations in 1997 to reinforce the absolute ban on torture under international law and to honour survivors around the world. June 26 is a day designated by the United Nations to raise awareness, stand with survivors, and demand justice.
Despite national and international laws against torture, reports show that the practice still occurs — often in police cells, detention centers, and interrogation rooms. In Nigeria, rights groups have continued to raise concerns over the use of force by security operatives and the slow response to victims seeking justice.
A Human Rights advocate, Mr. Higher King, says that while some victims are willing to speak up, the enforcement of justice remains weak, especially when those involved are in positions of authority. According to him, only about 20 to 30 percent of victims receive support or justice, a situation he describes as a failure.
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Many have argued that the challenge in Nigeria is not the availability of laws but their implementation. This was the opinion of a security expert, Mr. Bosinde Araikpe, who identified gaps in public awareness and law enforcement. Beyond expert insights, the voices of survivors speak the loudest.
As Nigeria joins the rest of the world in marking the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, the message remains clear: Torture has no place in a just society, and every voice raised for justice brings us one step closer to healing. Torture leaves no peace, only pain. And yet, for many around the world, including Nigeria, it remains a hidden reality.
