Rights conference urges Govt bring anti-torture law

New Delhi, June 25 (UNI) The 'National Conference on Prevention of Torture in India' today urged the Government to bring a comprehensive law to prohibit torture by putting the onus on accused law enforcement personnel and providing guarantees for the protection of victims and witnesses.

The Conference also urged for repeal of laws which facilitate the perpetration of torture, ratify the United Nations Convention Against Torture and extend an invitation to the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture to visit India.

Organised by the Asian Centre for Human Rights, the inaugural session of the National Conference was attended by delegates of the National Human Rights Commission of India, European Commission to India and the International Committee of the Red Cross.

ACHR Director Suhas Chakma said the International Committee of the Red Cross must be permitted to ensure the respect for the Additional Protocol II to the Geneva Conventions on Non-International Armed Conflicts.

''Despite Home Minister Shivraj Patil's assurance of 30 March 2006 to bring a law on providing compensation to victims of custodial violence, no law has so far been presented,'' he added.

The National Conference also urged the Government to implement recommendations of the Justice (retd) Jeevan Committee to Review the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (1958).

''We must to do away with the regime of impunity by repealing Sections 45 and 197 of the Criminal Procedure Code which make it mandatory to seek prior permission of the governments for prosecution of the law enforcement personnel accused of human rights of violations,'' Mr Chakma said.

UNI