THE EXECUTIVE Secretary, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Dr Tony Ojukwu SAN, says torture is a grave violation of human rights that has no place in any civilised society.
Ojukwu said this on Wednesday in his welcome address at a- two -day strategic meeting on prevention of torture in Nigeria.
He said the event marked a significant step towards strengthening national efforts and mechanisms towards preventing torture.
He added, cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment.
Ojukwu said the event was organised to bring stakeholders together to deliberate on how to prevent torture in Nigeria.
“Torture is a grave violation of human rights that has no place in any civilised society. It inflicts unimaginable suffering on its victims and undermines the very fabric of our society.
ALSO READ:
NCWS Announces Death Of Its National President
NDIC Begins Payment Of Heritage Bank Depositors — MD
MTN Foundation Announces 2024 Annual Scholarship For Undergraduates
VIDEO: Comrade Ajaero Defends Suspension of ‘Indefinite Strike’ After A Day
“It is instructive to mention that on July 27, 2009, Nigeria became a Party to the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture (OPCAT) committing to establishing a National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) to prevent torture and ill-treatment in places of deprivation of liberty,” he said.
Ojukwu said Article 17 stated that each State Party is under the obligation to maintain, designate or establish independent national preventive mechanisms to prevent torture at domestic level.
He added that Article 18(4) stated that parties establishing NPMs should give due consideration to the United Nations Principles Relating to the Status of the National Institutions for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights otherwise known as “the Paris Principles”.
“Accordingly, in April 2023, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has been designated as Nigeria ‘s NPM.
“This strategic meeting on prevention of torture in Nigeria represents a critical step towards fulfilling Nigeria ‘s commitments under the OPCAT and enhancing the protection of human rights in places of deprivation of liberty.
“By engaging stakeholders and fostering collaboration, we aim to build a robust and effective NPM that upholds the dignity and rights of all individuals that have been deprived of their liberty” he said.
Ojukwu noted that it is significant to engage with stakeholders from diverse sectors to ensure a comprehensive and inclusive approach to the issue.
Joining through virtual representations Abdallah Ounnir, Head Africa Regional Team and Country Rapporteur for Nigeria- United Nations Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture expressed his joy on formation of NPM.
He called for the ratification of the Protocol.
Similarly, by virtual representation, Ms Lisa Henry, Secretary General, International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims (IRCT) said NPM was a recommendation to the government of Nigeria.
She added that as an organisation, their work is to advocate for the prevention of torture.
Also speaking, Mr Gad Peter, executive director, CLEEN Foundation said that Nigeria is a country where culture tends to encourage torture but everyone thinks it is associated only with uniform personnel.
“You know that men torture women and women torture their maids. So, we have the tradition of how people with impunity take actions they should not take against other persons. To also prevent torture, we must embrace technology. Some of the challenges leading to a policeman slapping you, asking you to come and defend yourself is because they lack the resources for diligent investigation and then, the society is putting pressure on them,” he said.
Similarly, Dr Oluwakemi Akinmusire, manager, strategy and development, Prisoners’ Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA) said torture is not only known in Nigeria but other African countries too.
“We have been engaging the African Commission on human and Peoples rights and torture was one of the issues of concern.
“We want torture to be eradicated immediately in Nigeria and Africa, we are still engaging with the Commission. We know, with NPM and this level of dedication we will see the end to torture.
She urged all participants to bring everything they have to the table to enable a fruitful outcome. (NAN)
