The Federal Government has again expressed its readiness to end all forms of torture in the country, saying it would continue to intensify efforts towards capacity building and more awareness.
The Solicitor General of the Federation and the Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Justice, Mrs Beatrice Jedy-Agba,OON, mni stated this while delivering a 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 26 June to commemorate the annual event.
She said that torture as a means of subduing victims is against international obligations.
According to the SGF, the government development partners, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and the human rights community are working hard to end any form of inhuman treatment, torture and undignified action in the society.
“The nation has continued to demonstrate respect for human rights particularly torture.
“As Government Body, we are committed to advocating, training and sensitizing our Law Enforcement Agencies, Hospitals, Psychiatric wards and other places of limited liberty, of the need to ensure respect for human rights. We thank the committee against torture for rendering selfless service to the nation”, she expressed.
In his own remarks at the event, the Executive Secretary, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), DR. Tony Ojukwu, SAN said the event provided platform for reflection on the plight of victims of torture, strengthening the commission’s determination to eliminate it.
“It is significant that Nigeria has taken active steps by being a party to the core international and regional instruments that condemn the heinous violations.
In his goodwill message, Deji Ajare, a lawyer and advocate called on stakeholders to continue to advocate for justice, rehabilitation, and social re-integration for torture victims in the country.
Modupe Ogundoro
Director, Information & PR
