The Prisoners’ Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA) has called for reforms in the security and justice sectors to bring to account perpetrators of torture and rehabilitate victims.

The executive director, Uju Agomoh, made the call in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.

Ms Agomoh, also a member of the United Nations Sub-committee on the Prevention of Torture, acknowledged the several commendable efforts of the Nigerian government towards ending torture.

She said these were in ratifying almost all international and regional human rights instruments on the prohibition of torture and the enactment of national laws.

Ms Agomoh said government interventions targeted torture prevention, protection of victims and making perpetrators accountable.

The executive secretary, however, noted that the several efforts of the government are yet to yield the desired results.

“Torture is still in use, and there is no government mechanism to support the rehabilitation of torture victims and survivors. We will reform the initiatives in the security and justice sector to curb the incessant rate of torture,” stated Ms Agomoh. “It is our collective responsibility to ensure that the rights of all citizens, irrespective of status and standing in the society, are protected.”

The PRAWA boss added that the organisation was committed to advocacy, education and promoting technology in providing counselling support to torture victims and survivors.

PRAWA would also support relevant government institutions to address the challenges, Ms Agomoh further assured. 

(NAN)