The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ending all forms of torture in the country, emphasizing continued efforts towards capacity building and raising awareness.
This was highlighted by the Solicitor General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Justice, Mrs Beatrice Jedy-Agba, OON, mni, during her welcome address at the 2024 edition of the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, held on Wednesday, 26th June 2024, in Abuja.
The United Nations has proclaimed 26th June as the annual event to commemorate this day.
Mrs Jedy-Agba stated that using torture to subdue victims is against international obligations.
She noted that the government, in collaboration with development partners, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), and the human rights community, is working diligently to eradicate all forms of inhuman treatment, torture, and undignified actions in society.
“The nation has continued to demonstrate respect for human rights, particularly in terms of preventing torture,” she said.
“As a government body, we are committed to advocating, training, and sensitizing our law enforcement agencies, hospitals, psychiatric wards, and other places of limited liberty on the importance of respecting human rights.
“We thank the committee against torture for their selfless service to the nation,” she added.
In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, SAN, said the event provides a platform to reflect on the plight of torture victims and strengthen the commission’s resolve to eliminate it.
“It is significant that Nigeria has taken active steps by being a party to core international and regional instruments that condemn these heinous violations,” he noted.
In his goodwill message, Deji Ajare, a lawyer and advocate, called on stakeholders to continue advocating for justice, rehabilitation, and social reintegration for torture victims in the country.