News Agency Of Nigeria
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) will seek the advice of Experts on the guidelines to establish rehabilitation centres for victims of torture.
NHRC seeks to establish rehabilitation centres for torture victims.
The Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Tony Ojukwu, SAN made this known on Thursday during a said public presentation of Torture Prevention Resource Materials and Documentary in Abuja. Recommended articles
The event was organised by NHRC,Prisoners Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA) and International Rehabilitation Council For Torture Victims (IRCT) in commemoration of International Day in Support of Victims of Torture.
The UN Day in Support of Victims of Torture is an international observance held annually on June 26 to speak out against the crimes of torture and to honour and support victims and survivors throughout the world.
Speaking at the event which held virtually, reaffirmed that torture is a criminal act and its prohibition is absolute and that victims are entitled to redress.
“Redress and rehabilitation are not charity; they are rights under international law.
“Justice for the victims of torture does not end with punishment for the offenders but rehabilitation of the victims” .
He said that the commission would continue to engage relevant partners to make sure offenders are held responsible.
OPRAWA for the materials which could be a means to enable people know about their rights.
The provisions of sections 7 and 8 of Anti -Torture Act, 2017 should be a reference point.
”These materials will enable people understand torture as a violation of fundamental human right.
”It will be a helpful material for law enforcement agents, security agents and justice sector.”
Similarly, Dr Uju Agomoh, Executive Director, PRAWA said there is need to say no to torture and as well as criminalise it.
It is not enough to sign and ratify these laws but there should be responsibility towards the realization of the goal.
The recommendations of the United Nations committee on Anti Torture (CAT) should be implemented and follow up to the letter.
Also contributing, Secretary-General of IRCT said her organisation is committed to seeing that torture victims are rehabilitated.
”IRCT is powered by the engagement of over 160 civil society members, who strive to make this world a better place by eradicating torture and providing holistic, health-based rehabilitation for those who have every right to that service.
”With over 160 member centres in 76 countries, we are the largest membership-based civil society organisation working in the field of torture rehabilitation,“.
Rehabilitation helps them regain their dignity and humanity and helps them speak up again and countries should key into it.
NHRC and PRAWA for the unveiling of the resource materials and documentary.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the materials unveiled included Convention against Torture, Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture, Anti- Torture Act, 2017.