Health Department Marks International Day in Support of Victims of Torture

A group photo of the actors with Additional Secretary Mr Tsewang Ngodup and tibetan settlement officer Mr Dawa Rinchen.
A group photo of the actors with Additional Secretary Mr Tsewang Ngodup and tibetan settlement officer Mr Dawa Rinchen.

The Department of Health, Central Tibetan Administration marked ‘International Day in Support of Victims of Torture’ with a play titled ‘History Written in Blood’ at the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts on Sunday, 26 June. The day is held annually on 26 June to speak out against the crime of torture and to honour and support victims and survivors of torture throughout the world.

The play, enacted by Tibet theater, a Tibetan dramatics association and organised by the torture and substance abuse section of the Health Department, was based on a true-story of a Tibetan, who had suffered torture inflicted upon them by the Chinese authorities. The play aimed to shed light on the tortures perpetrated by Chinese.

Mr Tsewang Ngodup, Additional Secretary at the Department of Health and Mr Dawa Rinchen, Tibetan settlement officer, Dharamshala were the two honoured guests at the play.

In his introductory speech, Mr Tsewang Ngodup explained the significance of marking the day to help restore dignity and rehabilitate the victims of torture. He also spoke about the activities of the health department of the Central Tibetan Administration.

The United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture – 26 June is held annually on 26 June to speak out against the crime of torture and to honor and support victims and survivors throughout the world. The day was selected by the United Nations General Assembly for two reasons. First, on 26 June 1945, the United Nations Charter was signed during the midst of World War II – the first international instrument obliging UN members to respect and promote human rights. Second, 26 June 1987 was when the United Nations Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment came into effect.

United Nations Secretary-General Mr Ban Ki-moon has expressed support for and solidarity with the victims of torture and their families throughout the world, and underscored that torture must never be used under any circumstances, including during conflict or when national security is under threat.

“Despite its absolute prohibition under international law, this dehumanizing practice remains pervasive and, most disturbingly, is even gaining acceptance,” Mr Ban said in his message on the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture.