On the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which proclaims that "no one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel or inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment", acts of torture and inhuman or degrading treatment and punishments persist all over the world, especially during conflict. Despite the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, The Geneva Convention of 1949, the UN Convention Against Torture of 1987, and, in Uganda, the 1995 Constitution and The Prevention and Prohibition of Torture Act 2012, the fight against torture continues and together we must win it.

As we commemorate the UN International Day in Support of Victims of Torture under the theme "Rehabilitate survivors and bring perpetrators to account", Refugee Law Project therefore joins refugees, Ugandans and the rest of the world in remembering millions of individuals, families and communities that have endured torture and its debilitating effects, and we stand with all victims and survivors of torture who have courageously sustained the struggle of pushing ahead amidst pain and trauma; civil society organisations, government duty-bearers, and individuals that support victims of torture. Human beings have the capacity to survive fundamental attacks on their physical and psychological integrity, especially if given the right support.

Torture causes enormous physiological, psychological and social wounds to individuals, families and communities. Victims can end up with reduced or complete loss of functionality, preventing them from realizing their potential and living dignified lives. Chronic pain in different parts of the body is a common symptom, as are symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression and other signs of mental distress. It is not only the immediate victim who is impacted. The children of victims are also impacted by trans-generational trauma that can also be connected to challenges such as Attention Deficiency and Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD), enuresis, traumarelated psychotic symptoms, and developmental delays.

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