PRESS RELEASE: UN Afghan report on torture in detention shows some progress, calls for more action

KABUL, 25 February 2015 - A UN report released today on the torture and ill-treatment of conflict-related detainees in Government detention facilities shows some progress and welcomes the new administration’s commitment to accelerate its efforts to fully eliminate the practice of torture and ill-treatment in detention facilities.

“The Government of Afghanistan’s efforts to prevent torture and ill-treatment have shown some progress over the last two years,” said the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan and head of UNAMA, Nicholas Haysom. “More remains to be done, however, and I welcome the new administration’s immediate attention to end these practices.” 

“In particular, UNAMA welcomes the incoming Government’s commitment to implement a new national plan on elimination of torture,” Mr. Haysom said. “We support – and can assist as requested – this comprehensive approach to eliminate torture and ill-treatment in Government of Afghanistan facilities.” 

Elements of the Government’s proposed national plan on elimination of torture, include legislative reforms, ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture, remedy for victims of torture, education and capacity building programmes, discrediting torture in public culture, preventive measures, and continuous observation of implementation of the national plan. 

The UN report released today is the third report on the treatment of conflict-related detainees in Afghan custody jointly released by UNAMA and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. Findings are based on interviews with 790 conflict-related detainees between February 2013 and December 2014 and with Afghan security, police and judicial officials, and analysis of documentary, medical and other information.  Read More UN Afghan report on torture in detention  دری