FG SEEKS STAKEHOLDERS' SUPPORT TO ERADICATE TORTURE

Read Time:2 Minute, 14 Second

The Federal Government, on Wednesday, tasked stakeholders from the justice sector, law enforcement agencies, and Civil Society Organisations to support measures geared towards putting an end to the practice of torture in Nigeria, in line with the United Nations Convention Against Torture and the Operational Protocol to the Convention Against Torture.

Mrs. Beatrice Jedy-Agba, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Justice and the Solicitor General of the Federation, made the call in Abuja during the UNCAT sensitization/advocacy session for law enforcement agencies, MDAs, and pertinent stakeholders. She was represented by Dr. Omozojie Okoboh, the Chief State Counsel and member of the National Committee against Torture.

She called on all parties involved to unite and speak out against those who violate the nation’s laws and legal tools by torturing people and committing other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment, especially those who are detained.

She assured everyone, however, that there are plans to review the Anti-Torture Act and Regulations in order to broaden the definition of torture and enhance the measures to prevent and end torture in detention facilities, including prisons, police stations, psychiatric hospitals, and other locations where people are not allowed to leave on their own volition.

Jedy-Agba said, “This sensitisation event was initiated in fulfillment of the mandate of the Committee and the Federal Ministry of Justice, as part of measures to eradicate the use of torture by public officials, particularly Law Enforcement. The session also focuses on strategic interaction between stakeholders to address concerns and challenges associated with implementing anti-torture measures in compliance with international obligations.

“As you are aware, Nigeria is a signatory to various international treaties and conventions such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the United Nations Convention against Torture, all of which guarantee human rights of both citizens as well as persons in detention.

“Further to these treaties, the UN Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture visited Nigeria in September 2024 and assessed our places of detention.