    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2005, Book I)]
    [June 26, 2005]
    [Page 1069]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of
    Torture
    June 26, 2005

        On United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of
    Torture, the United States reaffirms its commitment to the worldwide
    elimination of torture. Freedom from torture is an inalienable human
    right, and we are committed to building a world where human rights are
    respected and protected by the rule of law.
        The United States is continuing to work to expand freedom and
    democracy throughout the world. We will seek and support the growth of
    democratic movements and institutions in every nation and culture, and
    we will help others find their own voice, attain their own freedom, and
    make their own way. Throughout the world, there are many who have been
    seeking to have their voices heard, to stand up for their right to
    freedom, and to break the chains of tyranny. Too many of those
    courageous women and men are paying a terrible price for their brave
    acts of dissent. Many have been detained, arrested, thrown in prison,
    and subjected to torture by regimes that fail to understand that their
    habits of control will not serve them well in the long term. America
    will not pretend that jailed dissidents prefer their chains or that
    women welcome humiliation and servitude or that any human being aspires
    to live at the mercy of bullies. All who live in tyranny and
    hopelessness can know: The United States will not ignore your oppression
    or excuse your oppressors. When you stand for your liberty, we will
    stand with you.