Human Rights Defender marks International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, calls for strong safeguards

In a statement marking the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, Armenia’s Human Rights Defender Anahit Manasyan underscored the state’s obligations to prevent torture, ensure accountability, and provide comprehensive support to survivors, and expressed confidence that sustained collective efforts can build a society in which no form of torture or ill-treatment is tolerated.

Below is the full statement released by Manasyan’s office:

“June 26 is the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture. This day was proclaimed by the United Nations to reaffirm the absolute prohibition of torture, as well as the international commitment to ensuring the protection of the rights of torture survivors and providing them with effective support.

This day is also an opportunity to emphasize that the eradication of torture is not only a legal obligation, but also an expression of respect for human dignity, the rule of law, and the fundamental values of a democratic society. Achieving this goal requires consistent state policy and the joint efforts of all stakeholders.

The prevention of any form of torture and ill-treatment, the effective, independent, and impartial investigation of every report of such cases, bringing perpetrators to justice, and ensuring proper support mechanisms for victims are among the state’s unwavering obligations.

As the national preventive mechanism against torture, the Human Rights Defender of the Republic of Armenia consistently monitors the protection of the rights of persons deprived of liberty.

Over the years, through monitoring activities, as well as annual and ad hoc reports, systemic issues in the field have been consistently identified, particularly regarding the need to strengthen safeguards for the prevention of torture, establish effective mechanisms for compensating non-material damage caused by torture, and ensure comprehensive support for victims of ill-treatment.

In this context, I emphasize that survivors of torture and their families must have access to state-guaranteed, accessible, and continuous psychological, medical, social, and rehabilitation services. Such support is an important prerequisite for restoring human dignity and fully ensuring rights.

At the same time, the staff of the Human Rights Defender’s Office continues to receive reports and complaints regarding possible cases of ill-treatment of persons deprived of liberty. Every such case requires an immediate response, effective preventive measures, and an independent, impartial, and comprehensive investigation.

Once again, I emphasize that the state is obliged to take all necessary measures to prevent torture, ensure the prompt and effective investigation of every report, and fully restore the rights of victims.

I am confident that, through joint and continuous efforts, it is possible to build a society in which no form of torture or ill-treatment is tolerated.”