IMPHAL, June 26: The International Day in Support of Victims of Torture under the theme `Right to Rehabilitation, RTR` was held today at the Manipur Press Club.
The observation was jointly organised by the Women Action for Development (WAD), North East Dialogue Forum (NEDF), United NGO`™s Mission (UNM-M), Human Right Initiative (HRI) Domestic Violence Survival Forum (DVSF), Conflict Widow Forum (COWF) in collaboration with Community Based Organisations (CBOs).
Speaking at the function WAD secretary, Sobita Mangsatabam stated that the persistent rise in number of victims of torture by the armed cadres both of State or non-State actors is not a sign of good governance.
It is also clearly highlighted in International Humanitarian Law that the civilians are to be protected in any circumstances by both the parties but the situation is totally different in Manipur, she added.
Uncountable numbers of people have become victims of torture in many forms like assault, taking into custody, torture, forced starvation, etc, she said.
Victims continue to be haunted by the trauma they had faced during such torture, hampering their growth for life, Sobita continued.
However, till today the government authorities have failed to look into the grievances of such victims or come out to help them, she lamented.
There is no proper channel for delivery of justice to such victims, no financial aid, no proper facilities to rehabilitate them in the hospitals, no psychologists trained to help them, she continued.
She said that it would be a good idea for both the State and Central governments to look into the issue in a more serious manner and provide psychological counseling to the victims of torture.
She also added that until incidents of torture is completely checked; development could not be achieved in any form.
Sobita also called for such victims to come out and join hands with the others and fight for justice to overcome their obstacles.
Delivering the keynote address, WAD member Binita Soraisam said on December 12, 1997, the UN General Assembly had proclaimed June 26 as the United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture.
This is the day where the people all over the world pay respect to those who have endured unimaginable torture, to speak up against the unspeakable and also a day dedicated in remembering and supporting the many victims and survivors of torture around the world.
The observation was also attended by Senior Citizen for Society Manipur president L Lalit Singh and North East Dialogue Forum, member, Kh Norendro Meitei.