Live radio broadcast: “I am for the Elimination of Torture!”

Submitted by admin on 30.04.2021 - 14:34

Live radio broadcast: “I am for the Elimination of Torture!”

#МанTарафдориAзБайнБурданиШиканҷаҲастам! 

#ЯзаИскоренениеПыток! 

#IamForTheEliminationofTorture!

In 2021, during the live radio broadcast, the emphasis was on what the State has done to implement the recommendations of the Committee against Torture, as well as who on the part of the state should be in charge to prevent the use of torture. Information provided on the implementation of the National Action Plan to follow up the recommendations of the UN Committee against Torture for 2019-2022, prepared by the Executive Office of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan jointly with the Civil Society Coalition against Torture and Impunity in Tajikistan. The experts also responded to questions posed by the radio listeners.

 “Given the supreme value of human rights and freedoms, I firmly declare that no law enforcement officer

has the right to inflict torture or degrading treatment in any way”.

The Founder of Peace and National Unity – Leader of the Nation,

President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon

 

Live radio broadcast took place on April 28, 2021, from 13:00 to 14:00 as part of the activity “I am for the Elimination of Torture!” on the occasion of the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, on radio Asia-Plus in the “Guest in the Studio” program with the host Orzu Isoev.

On April 30, 2021, a video podcast with host Manija Kurbonova was produced: https://agacelebir.com/afu.php?zoneid=3601336&var=2579647

The experts were Abdurahmon Sharipov, a member of the Civil Society Coalition against Torture and Impunity in Tajikistan, as well as Gulguna Shozodaeva, a lawyer of the Public Organization “Independent Centre for Human Rights Protection”, a member of the Coalition against Torture.

The experts shared information on the recommendations of the Committee against Torture for the Republic of Tajikistan and on the activities undertaken by the State to implement the recommendations of the National Action Plan to follow up the recommendations of the UN Committee against Torture for 2019-2022.

The information was prepared jointly with the Executive Office of the President and the Civil Society Coalition against Torture and Impunity in Tajikistan. The experts also responded to questions posed by the listeners.

The purpose of the event is to raise legal awareness and civic education as per international standards and the legislation of the Republic of Tajikistan in the area of freedom from torture. The organization of such events helps to bring together efforts and requirements to the State authorities on the formation of a policy of “zero tolerance” to torture in Tajikistan through the mass media.      

During the radio broadcast, the following questions were asked:

  1. What are torture and its distinction from other forms of treatment or punishment?
  2. Are acts of sexual nature recognized as torture?
  3. When did Tajikistan ratify the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel and Inhuman Treatment?
  4. Who is recognized as the victim of torture?
  5. Are persons recognized as victims of torture entitled to compensation?
  6. For what purpose is torture used?
  7. What liability for the commitment of torture is stipulated under the Criminal Code of the Republic of Tajikistan?
  8. Where and in what places the use of torture is the most likely?
  9. What should be done to the person who has been subjected to torture?
  10. Which authority is authorized to examine an allegation of torture?
  11. What decision does the United Nations Human Rights Committee make after verifying an individual complaint?
  12. Does the amnesty act apply to persons accused or convicted under the article “Torture”?
  13. Who is recognized as a person who committed torture?
  14. In cases of the use of torture, is only bodily harm inflicted or psychological trauma is caused as well?
  15. Under what circumstances is torture mostly used?
  16. Where should a complaint of torture be made?
  17. Is it possible to protect the right to freedom from torture internationally?
  18. Can you provide practical examples of the protection of victims of torture?

The experts responded to the questions with reference to international legal instruments and national legislation and provided practical examples. A discussion on the practice of torture and ill-treatment in Tajikistan has arisen during the radio broadcast. The majority of the participants have called from Dushanbe, Sogd, and Khatlon regions, and live questions through Viber chat had also been asked about the procedure on how and where to turn to protect their rights and interests when they or their close relatives had been subjected to torture.

How can we improve the situation? There is only one recipe – NOT TO BE SILENT!

Victims should not tolerate violence and inhuman treatment, should make such cases public, and should defend their dignity.

Journalists and human rights defenders (Civil Society) - to provide professional aid to victims, to speak about the problem.

The State should impose an absolute ban on torture and a duty to prosecute and punish those responsible.

The event was made possible with the financial support of the UNDP Project “Rule of Law and Access to Justice”.

Background information: The main audience of the radio “Asia-Plus” is people between 30 and 45 years of age. Coverage area - Dushanbe and DRS, Bokhtar, Levakand (Sarband), Kushoniyon, Rumi and Vakhsh districts of the region, Khatlon region - 107.0 FM, Khujand of Sogd region - 104.4 FM. At present, the number of listeners is over 2 million, and the number of listeners is constantly growing due to the increase of coverage area.

It is noteworthy that while conducting the above-mentioned activity, the participants followed the recommendations of the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Tajikistan - used the personal protection equipment against COVID-19 (masks, gloves, sanitizers, and social distancing).

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