Every case of torture must be investigated!

On January 24, 2019 the Government of Tajikistan has adopted National Plan of Actions for 2019-2022 to fulfill recommendations of the United Nations Committee Against Torture. The National Plan consists of 22 paragraphs: investigation of torture cases, punishment for torture, intensification of activity of Human Rights Ombudsman in RT, basic legal guarantees and remedies, access to independent lawyer, inspection of detention places, custodial detention conditions, independent grievance mechanism, indemnification and rehabilitation, etc.

The National Plan envisages around 80 measures aimed at improvement of legislation and law enforcement practices as to prevention of torture. Implementation of the National Plan involves a wide range of state authorities, courts, law-enforcement bodies, Ombudsman institution.

So, Paragraph №2 of the National Plan: “Investigation of torture cases”

This paragraph plans the following measures:

·         Study practices of other countries and prepare recommendations, to establish a separate, independent torture investigation mechanism;

·         Introduce amendments and changes in legislation of RT on independent and efficient torture investigation mechanism;

·         Take measures for introduction of torture investigation mechanism, including the staff selection and training, technological infrastructure, etc.;

·         Raise awareness of evidence related to any investigations, statements on torture and other cruel treatment, as well as judgements awarded on such cases through information sites of state authorities and mass media.

This material has been prepared by the International Torture Victims Protection Day that is marked every year on June 26.

Torture is like a dreadful virus, and there is only one vaccine against it – public disclosure.