The Human
Rights Defender Mr. Arman Tatoyan issued a statement on the occasion of
International Day in Support of Victims of Torture
“These
days, when the world is fighting against the novel coronavirus disease
(COVID-19) pandemic, human rights and freedoms should not become secondary, and
should not be deprived of the necessary protection by the state. Likewise, the
issues on the fight against torture or any other form of ill-treatment should
not be forgotten.
The United Nations proclaimed June 26 as
International Day in Support of Victims of Torture. There are often
misconceptions that only officials of law enforcement bodies inflict torture or
inhuman treatment for extorting testimony. It is necessary to emphasize that
the absolute prohibition of torture or other forms of ill-treatment applies to
a number of other issues: for example, the inadequate living conditions in
penitentiary institutions, overcrowding, the shortcomings of the medical
assistance and the use of illegal restraint measures in psychiatric
institutions can also result in ill-treatment.
The state should take concrete steps to
respond to torture cases rapidly and adequately, prosecute the perpetrators as
a result of effective investigation, as well as take steps in prevention of
torture in the country, considering the high social dangerousness of torture to
civilized society and the
internationally recognized absolute prohibition of torture.
The reports of the Human Rights
Defender have continuously emphasized the shortcomings of the compensation
mechanism for non-pecuniary damage that was caused by the violation of the
absolute right not to be tortured: these shortcomings are particularly obvious with
regard to the compensation mechanism for the non-pecuniary damage that was
caused by the inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.
The comprehensive approach in providing
physical, psychological and social support to persons subjected to torture,
cruel and inhuman or degrading treatment, as well as to their family members is
also important.
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