LEDAP stands up for victims of torture in northeastern
A non-governmental organisation and rights advocacy group, known as Legal Defence and Assistance Project (LEDAP) has called on the federal government to investigate human rights violations recorded in the North East and prosecute perpetrators based on international fair trial standards.
Speaking on the on the occasion of World Human Rights Day, the group’s Executive Programmes Director, Adaobi Egboka urged the government not leave out those who committed serious crimes in violation of international law during the conflict, including members of the government security forces and pro-government vigilante groups.
She said, “LEDAP commemorates this year’s International Human Rights day with the theme “Stand up for someone’s rights today!” by standing up for the rights of victims of various human rights abuses in Nigeria, especially victims of Torture in North East.
“We call on the National Assembly to ensure the passage of the Anti- Torture Bill to ensure accountability for violations by both state and non- state actors. LEDAP maintains that if this culture of impunity must stop the Federal Government of Nigeria must take proactive steps to implement the plans set up for victims, including the Victim Support Fund and other Initiatives on the North East, for the rehabilitation and reintegration of victims of violence including the youths who were forcefully recruited or abducted during the violence and others who are currently been radicalized by the Boko Harm members,” Egboka said.
LEDAP reiterated its position that government owes a duty to respect and protect citizens even in situations of non-international armed conflict. it reaffirmed the importance of respect, promotion and protection of rights, and fundamental freedoms for all – without distinction to ethnicity, gender, language and religion.
“These rights should not be violated no matter the volatile situation or circumstance. Nigeria is a signatory to various international treaties including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR); the Convention against Torture (CAT) and its Optional Protocol (OPCAT), UN Convention Against Torture and the Treaty to the International Criminal Court, which Nigeria has signed and ratified, the programmes directed emphasized.
According to her, LEDAP has been documenting and monitoring the incidences of violence in the North East regions faced with terrorism and counter-insurgency operation by state actor since 2013.
“It has collated information of insurgency related arrests, detentions, and extrajudicial killings and has provided legal services for victims especially in Adamawa State, Borno State and Yobe State. In its recent reports there been increase in violation of Human rights of persons living in North East Nigeria due to the increase of violence by boko haram radicalization and the counter terrorist operations of military officials, the police and civilian Joint Task Force. Some of these persons are subjected to physical and psychological torture by military officials, the police and civilian Joint Task Force.
The group’s spokesperson once again, urged the government to ensure that the rights of victims of torture are protected at all times.
“LEDAP calls for the government to go beyond discussions to creating a human right framework that incorporates transitional justice where these victims are given the necessary assistance that would enable them live a normal life,” Adaobi Egboka said in closing.