“June 26 marks the United Nations International Day of Support
for Victims of Torture declared by the United Nations.
Torture continues to remain a challenge for the international
legal system and the collective effort of states to prevent and punish crimes
against humanity.
No circumstance, including war or threat of war, internal
political instability, or other emergency situations, can justify torture.
Unfortunately, this crime is widespread in several countries,
although it is criminalized.
I would like to make a specific reference to the policy adopted
by the Azerbaijani authorities, particularly regarding the torture and inhuman
treatment of Armenian Prisoners of War and civilian captives who are still held
in Azerbaijan. This circumstance should be adequately assessed.
The Human Rights Defender has always emphasized in the annual
and ad hoc reports the limitations of the reparation mechanisms for
non-material damages caused by the violation of fundamental human rights. They
are particularly evident in the absence of reparation mechanisms for
non-material damage suffered as a result of inhuman or degrading treatment or
punishment.
Notwithstanding the steps implemented for the improvement of the
area, the Defender’s office continues to receive complaints and applications
regarding apparent cases of torture in penitentiary institutions, the police,
and investigative bodies.
The Defender is concerned about it and emphasizes that any
manifestation of torture and ill-treatment should be excluded.
Moreover, the state must take concise steps to respond promptly
and adequately to cases of torture, ensure effective investigation and bring
the perpetrators to justice, as well as in the direction of prevention of
torture.
Otherwise, all the values of the state governed by the rule of
law will be distorted.
Work is also needed to support torture survivors and their
families, including through the provision of individual psychological, medical,
and social rehabilitation services.
As a National Preventive Mechanism, the Human Rights Defender
tries to create an environment in our republic where torture and inhumane
treatment are excluded”.
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