The United Nations Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment is an international human rights instrument adopted by the United Nations in 2001 to prevent torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment worldwide. The text of the Convention was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 10 December 1984 and entered into force on 26 June 1987. June 26 is now officially recognized as the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture in honor of this Convention. Since the entry into force of this Convention, the absolute prohibition against torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment has been accepted as a principle of customary international law. As of March 2016, 159 countries have joined the Convention, not including Iran.
