As part of its intensified effort against torture and other rights violations, an Abuja-based non-governmental organisation, Legend Golden Care Foundation (LGCF), has conducted a collaborative sensitisation campaign in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
The community awareness engagement which held in Kabusa District, Abuja last week focused on promoting and sustaining collaborative efforts against torture while strengthening support for the holistic rehabilitation of victims.
The engagement had support from the International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims (IRCT), United Against Torture (UAT) and funding from the European Union (EU).
Speaking at the event, the Executive Director of the Foundation, Mrs Kanayo Olisa-Metuh stressed that the Community awareness engagement is aimed at promoting and strengthening concerted collaborative action against torture as well as providing care including psychological and mental support for victims.
According to her, “It is pertinent to know that torture is not just a physical act, it can be psychological or mental and so the same way someone who has endured physical torture requires the services of a doctor, people who have endured psychological or mental torture require a different type of doctor. This is why LGCF opened its rehabilitation centre to offer support to victims of torture.”
Declaring that the theme of the engagement is Reducing Stigma and Supporting Torture Survivors (RESSTOR) Olisa Metuh explained that “Torture is the act of inflicting severe pain or suffering on someone as a punishment or in a bid to force them to do or say something”
While stating that most of the times, torture involve state actors, the Executive Director however stressed that the aim of the Engagement is not to attack or indict anyone, particularly the law enforcement agencies but to seek an end to torture and provide rehabilitation for victims.
Speaking at the event, Assistant Controller of Corrections, Chineku Velu, commended the Foundation for its initiative adding the Correctional Service supports any initiative against torture or any other violations, especially in the areas of rehabilitation and awareness creation.
“Once people are able to have the awareness, they need in whatever challenges they have gone through that may have made them victims of torture, then they have ways to find solutions to their problems. They can be able to come out and reach out for help,” he said.
He applauded the Foundation for its numerous efforts, especially towards assisting the Correctional Service in providing educational materials, skill acquisition and other life-enhancing initiatives to prepare inmates towards reintegration into the community as useful citizens.
Making his presentation, the Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission, Dr. Tony Ojukwu who was represented by Barrister Theresa Okhiria lauded the Foundation and its partners for the awareness program adding that is it a reminder that “it is our collective responsibility to protect every citizen and ensure that everyone is carried along.”
The District Head of Kabusa, Chief Zawu Zufuzhizow John also thanked the Foundation and its partners for the Engagement. Urging law enforcement officials and other members of the society to always play by the rules, the District Head, stressed the need for fair hearing in all situations.
“When such situations arise, please listen to both sides of the story from the parties involved before taking action. We should focus on creating a safe environment for everyone. Remember, tomorrow it could be you, and people will remember you based on how you handle such situations,” he said.
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