Different human rights organisations have called upon the government to immediately establish an independent mechanism to effectively investigate and prosecute all acts of torture and other cruel, inhumane or degrading treatment or punishment.
Issuing a statement on Saturday on the occasion of the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, victims' groups and associations and national and international human rights organisations stated that international human rights treaties, to which Nepal is a party, oblige Nepal to investigate, prosecute, punish and provide effective remedies and reparations to victims of torture and other acts of ill-treatment.
However, Nepal has failed to comply with these obligations, the rights bodies complained.
They said that the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on vulnerable groups, including detainees as well the victims of torture, were enormous. As a result of limited access to regular health care, the dire financial situation and rising uncertainty, the psychosocial health and well-being of victims of torture deteriorated further, read the statement.
The statement endorsed by almost six dozens of rights organisation stated that not a single case of torture has been successfully prosecuted under the Penal Code and this continues to cast doubt on Nepal's commitment to end torture and impunity in relation to torture.
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