UN: States must support torture victims

Mr Ban Ki–Moon, United Nations (UN) Secretary General, has called on member states to step up efforts to assist victims of torture, other cruel and, or degrading treatment or punishment as they mark International Day in Support for Victims.

A statement issued to the Ghana News Agency on Thursday in Accra said this year marked the 25th anniversary of the Committee against Torture.

It said the Committee along with other UN human rights mechanisms such as the Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture and the Special Rapporteur on Torture, were vital to strengthening a victim-oriented approach that also included a gender perspective.

The statement also added that this year’s effort was further strengthened by the adoption of a UN Human Rights Council resolution focusing on the rehabilitation of torture victims.

Mr Ban urged all member States to accede and fully implement the Convention against Torture and support the United Nations’ Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture.

“Let us work together to end torture throughout the world and ensure that countries provide reparation for victims,” he added.