UNSG for comprehensive legal framework against torture
To commemorate the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture the UN Information Centre, Islamabad, European Commission and Struggle for Change (SACH) jointly organized a seminar at Serena Hotel, Islamabad. The objective of the seminar was to raise awareness about the elimination of torture from the society and to pursue for the ratification of the United Nations Convention against Torture - CAT “through an active participation and support from allstakeholders in the society.
The seminar was launched by a short motivating skit by children on conditions of street working and street living children. The skit revolved around the theme of torture highlighting the discriminatory behavior of society in general. It was followed by a presentation on the rehabilitation work done for the torture victims by SACH. Ms. Ishrat Rizvi, National Information Officer of the UN Information Centre, read out the message of the UN Secretary General, issued for the Day.
Mr. Jan de kok, Ambassador European Commission, spoke about the importance of the day and European Union’s firm commitment to upholding the absolute prohibition of torture and cruel inhuman treatment. He congratulated government of Pakistan on it being a signatory to the CAT convention and now looked forward to it being ratified and implemented.
He stated that “the EU currently provides more than EUR 680,000 of funding too few projects, aimed both at creating a favorable environment for speedy ratification of CAT and at supporting victims of torture and their families.” Regretting the absence of Mr. Gardezi – IG Islamabad Police, Mr. Zubair Hashmi SSP Islamabad Traffic Police, said that as a representative of a law enforcement agency, he recognized the necessity to speak on the subject of torture.
He said that along with making the accountability procedures more efficient, human rights officers had been appointed in almost all police stations of Islamabad with a strict adherence to the principles of no inhumane treatment. Mr. Fareed Khan Secretary, Human Rights and Law highly appreciated the organizers for commemorating the Day in respect of elimination of torture. Speaking on the occasion Mr. Khan highlighted upon the ideal code of human rights as given by Islam and the Government’s awareness of the need to curb human rights violations.
He said that “the Government has recently elevated Human Rights Wing of Ministry of Law, Justice& Human Rights as Human Rights Division, which is fully devoted to the cause as far as possible within its limited resources.” He spoke about the sensitivity and responsiveness of Pakistan to its International obligations and commitments and highlighted various actions taken. He informed that the subject of ratification of CAT had been dealt by the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs and the ground work has almost been done and would soon be handed over to the Human Rights Division. Mr.Nasir Zaidi – Director General of Islamic Ideology Council, strongly advocated that Islam is against torture and does not even allow ill treatment of captives. He discussed the need to understand the universal principals of Islam and undermine the negative propaganda.
The seminar ended with a interactive Q&A session among the participants and panelists. In the end Mr. Jan de kok distributed certificates among participants of a human resource development program in support of victims of torture conducted by SACH. Prominent Senators, officials from the Government, European Commission, and United Nations, media, street children and guests attended the seminar.
ISLAMABAD: The General Assembly, in 1997, on the recommendation of the Economic and Social Council (decision 1997/251), proclaimed 26 June United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture (resolution 52/149 of 12 December). The Day aims at the eradication of torture and the effective functioning of the 1984 Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, which entered into force on 26 June 1987. The UN Secretary-General issued the following message on this Day:
“Torture is a profound abuse of human rights and a horrific aberration of the human conscience. Article 5 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the foundation of international human rights law, strictly prohibits it, under any and all circumstances: “No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.”
And yet, 60 years since the adoption of the Declaration, torture persists, devastating millions of victims and their families. In each case, the psychological and emotional scars are deep and difficult to repair. The International Day in Support of Victims of Torture is an occasion to remember those who have suffered torture and even died. It is also a call to speak out and take action on their behalf and against all those who commit torture and all forms of cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment.
Despite a comprehensive legal framework against torture, Member States must do more to ensure that the torture-protection framework is applied in a gender-sensitive manner. Certain forms of gender-specific violence amount to torture as it is defined in the Convention against Torture. I call on the international community to strengthen the international legal framework to ensure better protection for women, including access to international assistance.
I strongly urge the remaining Member States who have not yet done so to accede to the Convention against Torture, and to consider joining the 35 Member States who have ratified the Optional Protocol to the Convention, which includes checks on torture through international and national visits to places of detention.
I also call on all Governments to continue their support of the United Nations Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture. The Fund is one of the largest United Nations humanitarian trust funds and assists many non-governmental organizations in providing victims with medical and psychological care, legal and social aid, and financial support. I thank the donors for their continued support and encourage the entire international community to contribute generously.
On this International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, in a year in which we celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, let us reaffirm our commitment to the inalienable rights and inherent dignity of all women and men. Let us build together a more humane world for all people everywhere, free from torture and all forms of cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment.”