Zimbabwe Govt  Urged  To Ratify And Implement International Treaties Against Torture

By Wallace Mawire

  The Government of Zimbabwe has been called upon on the International Day in Support for Victims of Torture to ratify and implement international treaties against torture.

  The International Day in Support of Victims of Torture is observed globally on 26 June,2024.

  The call has been made by Veritas,a legal information support organization working in Zimbabwe which has  called upon the government and policymakers to strengthen their resolve in preventing, investigating  and prosecuting any act of torture. 

   “We urge the government to ratify and implement international treaties, such as the United Nations Convention against Torture (CAT) and Other Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, to create robust legal frameworks that effectively combat torture,” Veritas said.

  The  Convention Against Torture [CAT] is a United Nations convention which requires States to take effective measures to prevent torture within their territories and prohibits them from transporting or extraditing people to any country where there is reason to believe they will be tortured. 

   The text of CAT was adopted by consensus in the General Assembly of the UN on 10th December 1984. 

 Veritas said that the Zimbabwean delegation was present, so presumably concurred in its adoption.  

  CAT came into operation on 26th June 1987, when it was ratified by the 20th member State.

  According to Veritas,since then, the absolute prohibition against torture and other acts of cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment has become accepted as a principle of customary international law,accepted by the international community as an absolute and non-derogable right.  

  Wednesday, June 26, observed the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture. 

 It is a day to stand with survivors of torture, to affirm their dignity and humanity and to reflect on the prohibition of torture worldwide. 

  It is also a day to recognize the gap between the number of survivors who want help rebuilding their lives and seeking justice and the limited resources available to assist them.

 The day was selected by the United Nations General Assembly for two reasons.

First, on 26 June 1945, the United Nations Charter was signed during the midst of World War II, the first international instrument obliging UN members to respect and promote human rights.

 Second, 26 June 1987 was when the United Nations Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment came into effect.

 The theme for the 2024 United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture is 

“Voices Against Torture: A Call for Global Justice and Human Rights.”.

The day is observed annually on June 26th to honour and support survivors and victims of torture and to speak out against the crime.

   The day serves as a powerful reminder of the on-going atrocities endured by countless individuals globally and amplifies the urgent need for justice, empathy and intervention.

This year, Veritas in Zimbabwe directed its   attention towards the resilient victims of torture in Zimbabwe, who have suffered severe violations of their human rights. 

 The organization said that it expressed  utmost condemnation of the inhumane practice of torture, which continues to be used as a method of coercion, intimidation and punishment in Zimbabwe. 

 Veritas said that the gross violation of human dignity and international law must be addressed with utmost urgency.

  The organization said that it  remains resolute in its mission to support survivors of torture by providing them with essential medical, psychological and legal assistance.

It also  works closely with partner organisations, healthcare professionals and legal experts to ensure survivors are empowered to regain control of their lives, heal and rebuild shattered communities and achieve a sense of justice.

  Veritas said that an absolute” and “non-derogable” signifies that in  No exceptional circumstances whatsoever, whether a state of war or a threat of war, internal political instability or any other public emergency, may be invoked as a justification of torture,an order from a superior officer or a public authority may not be invoked as a justification of torture.

  Veritas says that the Optional Protocol to CAT [OPCAT] adds another, more pro-active layer to the international framework against torture by emphasizing prevention of torture by inspection of prisons and other places of detention as opposed to just reacting to torture by prosecuting and punishing its perpetrators.

  Veritas added that on the day the government of Zimbabwe, human rights organisations  and the international community at large, must acknowledge and confront the systematic torture that takes place within the country.

  They add that it is incumbent upon the authorities to ensure that those responsible for the heinous acts are held accountable, regardless of their affiliation or position of power.

  They say that the victims of torture deserve justice, reparations  and comprehensive support systems that facilitate their healing and reintegration into society.

 Veritas has also  called on all relevant stakeholders, including the Zimbabwean government, to uphold their international commitments, including adherence to the United Nations Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment and to accede to CAT and OPCAT. 

 The Zimbabwe Government has therefore been  urged to take immediate actions to immediately set up the Zimbabwe Independent Complaints Commission (ZICC) to investigate reports of torture and related crimes perpetuated by the security services,strengthen legal frameworks to criminalise and prevent torture, ensuring that perpetrators face stringent penalties,provide comprehensive medical, psychological, and rehabilitative support to all victims of torture and to protect human rights defenders and journalists who expose instances of torture or advocate for its eradication.

 Veritas  reiterated its unwavering commitment to defending human rights, ensuring accountability  and standing in solidarity with all victims of torture.

 The organization said that it stood  ready to support the government, civil society and international organisations in their efforts to eradicate the abhorrent practice of torture.

 Veritas said with collaboration  a Zimbabwe where the rule of law, justice and compassion to prevail can be created.