Torture: PRAWA Urges Media, CSOs to be Watchdogs
0
0
Torture: PRAWA Urges Media, CSOs to be Watchdogs
By Alabidun Shuaib Abdulrahman
The Prisoners’ Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA) has urged the media and civil society organizations, CSOs, in Nigeria to act as credible watchdogs in the fight against torture, as stipulated by the UN Convention.
On Friday in Abuja, PRAWA’s Executive Director, Dr. Uju Agomoh, made the request during a consultation workshop for media and civil society organizations (CSOs) on the UN Committee Against Torture’s Report.
Recall that the Federal Government despite series of engagements is yet to comply with the obligation to the Convention Against Torture by sending its report to the Committee, in line with Article 19 of the Convention Against Torture Treaty.
Agomoh said, involving the media and civil society organizations will ensure that the UN’s anti-torture reports are implemented in a timely manner.
She added that strong political will, administrative support, and strong partnerships with the media and civil society organizations were required to safeguard Nigerians from torture.
PRAWA had already begun work on the reports, according to Agomoh, but the government needed to be reminded of particular issues that were causing the country to appear unappealing.
”20 years ago, Nigeria signed the United Nations Convention Against Torture on human and degrading treatments. But all obligation relating to that convention, especially the obligation to report the progress in terms of implementation has not been done in the past 20 years,” she said.
“We cannot have a process like this and not involve the media and other relevant stakeholders by creating more awareness.
“As a Non Governmental Organisation (NGO), we are trying to sensitise Nigerians on the UN reports and at the same time engaging the media and CSOs to help us be a credible watch dog.
“As an NGO, we are calling on the media and CSOs at all levels to participate in the implementation of the UN reports against torture. Media involvement will really go a long way,” she said.
