PRAWA seeks urgent action to end torture in Africa

An NGO, Prisoners’ Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA) has called for urgent action by African countries to intensify efforts to eradicate torture.

The Executive Director, PRAWA, Dr Uju Agomoh made this in a statement to commemorate the year 2024 International Day in Support of Victims of Torture on Friday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Torture Victims Day is observed every June 26 globally.

Agomoh said that torture was a grave violation of human rights, causing immense physical and psychological suffering adding that despite global advances, many individuals still endured the atrocity.

She said that PRAWA remained 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.

She said “we honour the resilience and strength of torture survivors and commend their courage.

According to her, PRAWA continues to work tirelessly to offer medical, psychological, legal, and social support, ensuring their reintegration into society and promoting their healing journey.

“For three decades, PRAWA has been unwavering in its commitment to eradicating torture and providing holistic support to survivors.

“Since the adoption of the UN Convention Against Torture, serves as a solemn reminder of our ongoing fight to uphold human dignity and justice.

“We once again call upon the Nigerian government and African states to intensify their efforts to eradicate torture.

“Concrete steps must be taken to implement effective legal frameworks, ensure accountability for perpetrators, and provide adequate resources for the support and rehabilitation of survivors.

“The prohibition of torture is absolute and non- negotiable, “she said.

The PRAWA boss further urged government and African states to fully implement and enforce existing anti- torture laws to ensure perpetrators were held accountable.

Agomoh also urged them to allocate resources to support comprehensive rehabilitation programs for survivors of torture.

She appealed for continuous training for law enforcement and security personnel on human rights and the absolute prohibition of torture.

“We urge them to establish and strengthen independent bodies to monitor detention facilities and investigate allegations of torture.

“Also, government need them to resource​​​ the​ National​ Preventive Mechanism (NPM) adequately to enable its effective functioning and full compliance with the provisions of the Optional Protocol to the United Nations Convention Against Torture, Cruel, Inhumane and Degrading Treatment​​or​ Punishment​​(OPCAT).​

“This includes​ providing​​ sufficient funding, staffing, and training to ensure the NPM can effectively carry out its mandate, “she said.

The PRAWA boss also called on​ the international community to support African nations in their fight against torture by providing technical ​​​assistance,​​funding,​and capacity-building initiatives.

“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, “he said.