According to Dr. Tony Ojukwu, SAN, Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), torture is a heinous affront to human dignity that has no justification in any modern society that values human rights.
Dr. Ojukwu’s impassioned remarks came at the opening of a two-day strategic meeting in Abuja, where stakeholders converged to brainstorm effective strategies for combating torture in Nigeria.
The event, he emphasized, represented a vital leap forward in Nigeria’s quest to fortify its defenses against torture, fostering a collaborative environment to refine and enhance existing mechanisms.
He further emphasized the need to eradicate brutal, appalling, and humiliating practices that violate human dignity.
Dr. Ojukwu explained that the gathering aimed to unite key players in a collective quest to devise effective strategies for combating torture in Nigeria.
” Torture is a grave violation of human rights that has no place in any civilised society.
” It inflicts unimaginable suffering on its victims and undermines the very fabric of our society.
” It is instructive to mention that on July 27, 2009, Nigeria became a Party to the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture (OPCAT) committing to establishing a National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) to prevent torture and ill-treatment in places of deprivation of liberty ” he said.
Ojukwu said Article 17 stated that each State Party is under the obligation to maintain, designate or establish independent national preventive mechanisms to prevent torture at domestic level.
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He added that Article 18(4) stated that parties establishing NPMs should give due consideration to the United Nations Principles Relating to the Status of the National Institutions for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights otherwise known as ” the Paris Principles).
” Accordingly, in April 2023, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has been designated as Nigeria ‘s NPM.
” This strategic meeting on prevention of torture in Nigeria represents a critical step towards fulfilling Nigeria‘s commitments under the OPCAT and enhancing the protection of human rights in places of deprivation of liberty.
” By engaging stakeholders and fostering collaboration, we aim to build a robust and effective NPM that upholds the dignity and rights of all individuals that have been deprived of their liberty ” he said.
Ojukwu noted that it is significant to engage with stakeholders from diverse sectors to ensure a comprehensive and inclusive approach to the issue.
Joining through virtual representations Abdallah Ounnir, Head Africa Regional Team and Country Rapporteur for Nigeria- United Nations Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture expressed his joy on formation of NPM.
He called for the ratification of the Protocol.
Similarly , by virtual representation, Ms Lisa Henry, Secretary General , International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims (IRCT) said NPM was a recommendation to the government of Nigeria.
She added that as an organisation, their work is to advocate for the prevention of torture.
Also speaking, Mr Gad Peter, executive director, CLEEN Foundation said that Nigeria is a country where culture tends to encourage torture but everyone thinks it is associated only with uniform personnel.
” You know that men torture women and women torture their maids.
” So we have the tradition of how people with impunity take actions they should not take against other persons.
” To also prevent torture, we must embrace technology. Some of the challenges leading to a policeman slapping you, asking you to come and defend yourself is because they lack the resources for diligent investigation and then, the society is putting pressure on them ” he said.
Similarly, Dr Oluwakemi Akinmusire, manager, strategy and development, Prisoners’ Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA ) said torture is not only known in Nigeria but other African countries too.
” We have been engaging the African Commission on human and Peoples rights and torture was one of the issues of concern.
” We want torture to be eradicated immediately in Nigeria and Africa, we are still engaging with the Commission.
” We know, with with NPM and this level of dedication we will see the end to torture.
She urged all participants to bring everything they have to the table to enable a fruitful outcome.