By Ahura Mujuni Mark

Image used by UN to mark the day of tortured victims

Today Uganda joins the rest of the world to mark the International Day in Support of Tortured Victims.

Uganda Human Rights Commission  launched week long activities a head of the day including media campaigns, candle light prayers and public dialogue.

The Acting Chairperson of Uganda Human Rights Commission Agaba Mugarura has asked the government and parliament to criminalize torture and put in place measures to stop the practice.

Torture seeks to annihilate the victim’s personality and denies the inherent dignity of the human being. The United Nations has condemned torture from the outset as one of the vilest acts perpetrated by human beings on their fellow human beings.

On 12 December 1997, the UN General Assembly proclaimed 26 June the United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, with a view to the total eradication of torture and the effective functioning of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.

During celebrations the world  pays respect to those who have endured the unimaginable torture.Those who are tortured speak up against the  inhumane treatment.