In commemoration of this year’s International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, the Prisoners Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA), has urged both the Nigerian government and other African countries to intensify their efforts to eradicate torture.
PRAWA in a statement by its President, Dr Uju Agomoh, to mark the event on June 26, charged the authorities in Nigeria and other African countries to take concrete steps in implementing effective legal frameworks, ensure accountability by perpetrators and provide adequate resources for the support and rehabilitation of survivors.
The organisation whose 30th anniversary coincided with the 40th anniversary of the adoption of the United Nations Convention Against Torture, noted that the prohibition of torture must be absolute and non-negotiable.
It therefore urged the Nigerian government and other African countries to “fully implement and enforce existing anti-torture laws to ensure perpetrators are held accountable.”
PRAWA also enjoined the governments to “allocate resources to support comprehensive rehabilitation programmes for survivors of torture.”
It also called on the authorities to “provide continuous training for law enforcement and security personnel on human rights and the absolute prohibition of torture,” as well as “establish and strengthen independent bodies to monitor detention facilities and investigate allegations of torture.”
Decrying the application of torture by states and organizations, PRAWA described it as “a grave violation of human rights, causing immense physical and psychological suffering. Despite global advances, many individuals still endure this atrocity.”
It therefore vowed to remain “steadfast in its mission to create a humane and secure society that corrects and empowers to prevent crime, violence and Torture while providing comprehensive rehabilitation to survivors.”
The group saluted the resilience of torture survivors, commending their courage, assuring them that “PRAWA continues to work tirelessly to offer medical, psychological, legal and social support, ensuring their reintegration into society and promoting their healing journey.”
PRAWA further appealed to the “international community to support African nations in their fight against torture by providing technical assistance, funding and capacity-building initiatives.”
The NGO noted that since the establishment of June 26 in 1994 as the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, the day has always held deep significance for PRAWA and its members, adding, “For three decades, PRAWA has been unwavering in its commitment to eradicating torture and providing holistic support to survivors. This day, since the adoption of the UN Convention Against Torture, serves as a solemn reminder of our ongoing fight to uphold human dignity and justice.
“As we commemorate this day, let us renew our commitment to a world free from torture, where every individual’s dignity is respected and protected. Together, we can make significant strides towards ending torture and supporting survivors, ensuring justice, healing, and a brighter future for all. Together, we stand united against torture.”
Earlier on June 26, 2024, PRAWA organised a zoom meeting/workshop tagged, “Trauma-Informed Care and Legal Rights of Torture Survivors” in commemoration of the United Nations Day in Support of Torture Victims.
President of the Nigerian Association of Clinical Psychology, Prof Gboyega Abikoye and the Executive Secretary, National Human Rights Commission, Chief Tony Ojukwu SAN, gave the opening remarks at the zoom meeting while the Vice Chancellor of Chrisland University, Abeokuta, Prof Peace Chinedu Babalola delivered special remarks to declare the workshop open.
The three technical sessions that followed addressed “Legal Rights of Torture Survivors: Overview of legal rights and redress mechanisms,” “Trauma-informed Care: Best practices in providing Trauma-informed Care” and “Self-Care Techniques: Practical Self-Care Techniques for Survivors and Practitioners.”
The sessions also featured a journalist and member of the PRAWA Survivor Advisory Board, Mr Segun Olatunji and Ngozi Gladys Ogoke, member representing Sub-Saharan Africa, IRCT Survivors Advisory Board and Member, PRAWA Survivor Advisory Board.
