A European Union-backed rights and advocacy non-governmental organization, Legend Golden Care Foundation (LGCF), is pressing for the passage of a bill seeking the amendment of the Nigerian Anti-Torture Act, 2017 to strengthen rehabilitation and psychosocial support systems for victims of torture in the country.
This is against its belief that the intervention is necessitated by the unmitigated plight of torture survivors in Nigeria who continue to face long-term trauma with limited access to proper rehabilitation.
Speaking at the opening of a Focus Group Discussion of critical stakeholders in Abuja yesterday, LGCF Executive Director, Mrs Kanayo Olisa-Metuh highlighted continuing efforts to review, garner support for, and ensure speedy passage of the amendment bill by the National Assembly.
The proposed bill sponsored by the Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Anti-Corruption and Financial Crimes, Senator Tony Nwoye, and his colleague, Kelvin Chukwu, seeks to amend the Anti-Torture Act of 2017 to ensure that torture survivors receive comprehensive care, legal protection, and assistance in reintegrating into society.
The NGO boss informed that the thrust of the draft bill is to ensure that rehabilitation for torture victims is included in the Anti-torture Act of 2017 to address the needs of those concerned.
“Now we know that torture is a heinous crime and has no place in any civilized society. However, these things still happen. But when it happens, what do we do afterward?
“The first thing that needs to be done is that the perpetrators need to be brought to book and the Act covers that. The second which the Act does not cover is the issue of rehabilitation. You know, in the journey to recovery for any torture victim, it is absolutely important that we think of rehabilitation and that is what this bill seeks to address,” she said.
Noting that rehabilitation of torture victims in Nigerians is usually facilitated by NGOs, Mrs. Olisa Metuh insisted that such intervention must be implemented as a legal obligation for countries that has ratified the U.N. Convention Against Torture, including Nigeria.
She said her organisation will continue to intensify efforts towards the speedy passage and implementation of the amended law.
Also speaking at the event, Senator Nwoye commended the efforts of the LGCF and pledged commitment towards speedy passage of the bill. He also stressed that all necessary steps must be taken to curb the incidences of torture in the country.
She added: “We are partnering with the Legend Golden Care Foundation not only on the issue of rehabilitation but on deterrence efforts such as investigation, prosecution, and punishments for people who perpetuate torture. We expect that there should be a national committee in charge of this investigation.
“We are expecting, that when this bill is passed and assented to by Mr. President to have rehabilitation/correction and remoulding of torture victims so that they can be psychologically up and doing to be able to give back to the society.”
Also speaking at the forum, Senator Chukwu thanked LGCF for its commitment and assured speedy passage of the amendment bill.
“This bill will not take much time. By the end of this month, it would have passed First Reading; by December, we hope, the Second Reading and Third Reading will be passed,” he said.
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