| Working against torture fundamental to human rights work |
STATEMENT: The practice of torture is endemic in Asia, and the region’s governments show no political will to eliminate it. In fact, states treat torture as a necessary aspect of social control, directly or indirectly approving the practice. The clearest indication of the states’ unwillingness to eliminate torture is the refusal to criminalise the practice, as well as the inadequate implementation of laws against torture. In most Asian countries, civil society has also not shown sufficient interest or commitment to press for the elimination of torture. The International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, June 26, should be an occasion to seriously reflect on the failures in Asia to eliminate this unacceptable and cruel practice.
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| Why June 26? |
“June 26 is not a date chosen at random. It was the day, 11 years ago, that the Convention against Torture came into force. It was also the day, 53 years ago, that the United Nations Charter was signed -- the first international instrument to embody obligations for Member States to promote and encourage respect for human rights. Today, we also pay tribute to all those who have worked selflessly to relieve the suffering and assist the recovery of torture victims around the world.” Message of the UN Secretary General on the occasion of declaring June 26th to be observed as the International day in Support of Victims of Torture.
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| Information for the UN International Day against Torture |
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Country Profile
Country Statements
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Prevent Torture, an OPCAT project |
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Comments on the report of the State of Cambodia |
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concerning the implementation of the UN Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment REPORT: The Asian Legal Resource Centre has prepared this report to coincide with the consideration of the initial report of the State of Cambodia to the Committee against Torture (the Committee), under the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT). The initial report was...read more... |
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ARTICLE2: Special Report on Torture Committed by the Police in Sri Lanka |
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ARTICLE2: The special report by the Asian Legal Resource Centre published in this edition of article 2, is on a central issue for the effective rule of law in Sri Lanka, and Asia-wide: policing. What it illustrates is that in Sri Lanka policing has so degenerated that it has become a manifest threat to the rule of law. What it calls for is a fundamental change in practices at all levof policing in the country... read more... |
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TORTURE: A Crime Against Humanity |
Edited by Philip Setunga & Nick Cheesman A book based on the Workshop on The UN Convention Against Torture held between April 2-7, 2001 at Thrissur, Kerala, India, organised by the Religious Groups for Human Rights (RGHR) a project of the Asian Human Rights Commission and hosted by Jananeethi, Thrissur, India.. read this book online... |  |
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TORTURE: Mother of All Human Rights Violations |
Edited by Philip Setunga & Nick Cheesman "..in Malaysia, the fight against torture is something that, while people may be horrified by it, lacks an active campaign. I think that attending here has really focused my attention on torture and the need for long term reform of the overall system" "..I think there is one element that is very important which is not included and that is the right of families to mourn their loved ones who have died from torture..." read the book online... |  |
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