Protect dalits from torture, govt urged

The National Convention against Torture has urged the Indian government to ratify the International Convention against Torture, particularly against dalits and other weaker sections of society while they are under custody. The issue is pending consideration since 1997.

A meeting, held on Sunday, of lawyers, doctors, activists, academics and representatives of the National Human Rights Commission and the National Commission for Backward Classes strongly affirmed the demand that India should ratify the convention without further delay.

The meet said the pervasive existence of torture within India is a crime deserving the fullest condemnation and punishment. Torture is a pervasive practice that has to be recognised as such and abolished immediately and completely. It goes against India’s international obligations and our Constitution and amounts to a denial of the right to a life with dignity. There must always be assured punishment for perpetrators. For those who survive the humiliating ordeal of torture, there must be assured restitution, compensation and rehabilitation. This is the right of every citizen.

A resolution passed at the end of the meet wanted Parliament to immediately enact the Prevention of Torture Bill, incorporating within it the recommendations of the Select Committee of the Indian Parliament. This has been pending since 2010. It also wanted the Centre to pass a comprehensive statutory scheme for reparation and rehabilitation of torture of victims.

There is now strong evidence of widespread impunity for illegal and appalling actions as a primary means of investigation when in custody and control of state actors and of torture being used as a means of coercing and subduing dissent amongst voiceless and vulnerable populations. These include large sections in the North Eastern region, Jammu and Kashmir, migrant labour, construction workers, unorganised workers, Adivasis and indigenous peoples, Dalits and India’s religious minorities who bear the additional burden of being often wrongfully associated with acts of terror. Within this women and children are especially vulnerable targets. Indeed, it is seldom recognised that children are victims of torture, often in the name of ‘disciplinary action’ in educational, care and custodial institutions. It called upon the police and armed forces in particular to acknowledge the practice and take all steps to eliminate it and punish perpetrators.