International human rights group, Avocats Sans Frontières France (ASF), also known as Lawyers Without Borders, has called for improved access to justice for victims of torture.
The group reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to combating torture and unequivocally condemned torture in all its forms, contexts and settings.
The Country Director, Mrs Angela Uwandu Uzoma-Iwuchukwu, who spoke at the ASF France Nigeria Office on the occasion of the 2024 International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, noted that torture is a profound violation that seeks to annihilate the victim’s sense of self and dignity.
“Despite the absolute prohibition of torture under international, regional, and national laws, this inhumane practice persists systematically, particularly in Nigeria.
“Today, we stand in solidarity with all victims of torture, emphasizing that torture is a crime against humanity that must be eradicated.
“In Nigeria, the prevalence of the use of torture and the poor conviction rates for such crimes highlight the urgent need for a systemic change. Impunity for acts of torture must be eliminated, perpetrators must be held accountable, and our criminal justice systems and institutions must undergo comprehensive reforms to ensure access to justice and redress for torture victims,” the group said.
Mrs Uzoma-Iwuchukwu noted to that since 2009, Avocats Sans Frontières France had been working to end torture in Nigeria by implementing the Promoting the United Nations Convention against Torture (ProCAT).
Through the pro-bono legal aid of the ProCAT project, she said the group had helped to secure freedom and justice for over 2,000 torture victims.
She said: “One poignant case that exemplifies the dire need for change is the case of one Mr Isiaka, who was just released from an arbitrary detention of over 11 years following pro-bono litigation by ASF France.
“On April 12, 2013, Isiaka was apprehended by officers of the Nigerian Police Force on suspicion of armed robbery, a crime he did not commit. For 11 years, he endured daily torture and inhumane treatment in the hands of the police officers.
“ASF France took up his case on a pro-bono basis, ultimately securing his unconditional release on April 16, 2024. Mr Isiaka was also awarded N4,000,000 in damages, while the Nigeria Police Force was mandated to publish a written apology in two national newspapers.
“Reflecting on his ordeal, Mr. Isiaka said: ‘I really thank God for ASF France. I have been locked up and forgotten for over 11 years for a crime I knew nothing about. I was tortured daily and thought my life was over until ASF France took up my case. I am really grateful and I hope other people like me get justice as soon as possible.’”
The Country Director added: “Achieving true justice for torture victims requires providing redress for the violations they have endured and holding perpetrators accountable.
“We urge the Nigerian government to work collaboratively with criminal justice actors and civil society organisations to eradicate torture in Nigeria.”
