The White House on Tuesday pledged to work toward the elimination of torture and other forms of cruel and inhuman treatment in the world.

In a statement issued on the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, observed annually on June 26, White House spokesman Jay Carney said "the United States joins the international community in pledging to work toward the elimination of torture and all other forms of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment."

"Torture is abhorrent: we do not practice it, and we will not countenance it or transfer individuals to any country where they will be subjected to it," Carney said, noting the Obama administration rejects torture as unlawful, counter to U.S. values, and inconsistent with the universal rights and freedoms that " should be enjoyed by all men, women and children wherever they live."

"With the development and enforcement of strong domestic laws, effective training of law enforcement and military personnel, and systematic review of interrogation, detention and transfer practices, together we can turn over to our children a world in which no justification for torture is accepted," he said.

He voiced continued support for efforts like the United Nations Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture, created in 1981 now in support of hundreds of organizations and entities that provide assistance to victims of torture and their family members in all regions of the world.