27 September 2011. Expressing their views on the necessity of effective mechanism to prevent torture and other ill-treatment in Nepal, participants pointed out a glaring need to strengthen the existing networks working to combat the systematic practice of torture in Nepal. The view to the effect was expressed during a panel discussion jointly organised by Advocacy Forum(AF), APT, OHCHR-Nepal and INSEC in the capital on 23 September 2011. “Torture in Nepal is a very problematic issue. The trend of torture was significantly high during the conflict and is still systematically practised at present too. So a lot of cases relating to torture should to raised” said, AF Chairperson Ms. Mandira Sharma.
Jem Stevens of the Association for the Prevention of Torture (APT) highlighted on a glaring need to set up an effective mechanism like the National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) to address widespread torture in various detention centers. She said that APT is ready to assist in this regard.
Sharing experiences of their own NPM, the representative from the Maldives, Ms. Julia Khan Daood stated that the Maldives had set up an NPM as a monitoring body of detention centers on 20 April 2004. Despite ceaseless efforts, lack of resources and lack of awareness in this regard have posed serious problems and challenges in campaign against torture, said Ms. Khan in the program.
Though Nepal lack a fully authoritative body like NPM, AF has been regularly conducting detention visits since its inception in 2001.
