Govt urged on Torture

The Human Rights Commission has asked government to show its commitment to ending acts of torture ahead of the UN Day to support Victims of Torture that falls tomorrow.

The call was today made together with the Coalition against Torture.

The Commission Chairperson Medi Kagwa says torture remains a highly prevalent form of human rights abuse in the country.

He points to systematic beatings that target particular body parts and the random beatings all over the body as the most common, mainly perpetuated by security agents.

Kagwa has also appealed to the President to assent to the Prohibition and Prevention of Torture Act that was passed last year if the vice is to be fought.

He says the law which seeks to hold individuals responsible for torture personally liable will help check the vice.

Kagwa has also asked government to prioritize payment of compensation claims to victims of torture.

He adds that there is need to strengthen all investigative agencies of government with modern forensic equipment and techniques if justice for the victims is to be ensured.

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