The Independent Medical-legal Unit (IMLU) has today asked the government to compensate victims of torture and other cruel, inhumane or degrading treatment or punishment inflicted on them by the state.
In his opening remarks during the launch of the shadow report, IMLU executive director Peter Kiama reiterated that torture does affect the entire society and communities.
“As we launch the shadow report, we recognize that there’s more that needs to be done in ensuring access to Redress and Rehabilitation for victims of torture and related violations, and we remain committed to the cause,” Kiama said.
Kiama further said that it was unfortunate that even after cases were heard by the courts and damages awarded, victims of torture are yet to be compensated.
“The consequences of torture go beyond the individual. Torture has a pervasive effect on families and communities, and leads to devastating cycles of violence and intergenerational trauma,” Kiama added.
The director also revealed that 1,900 victims of torture and other cruel, inhumane or degrading treatment or punishment have been helped by the organization.
Li Fung head of the Office of the High Commission on human rights in Kenya (OHCHR KENYA) in her keynote address, did mention that the fight against torture is a collective responsibility.
“We should demand accountability from our leaders given that IMLU or other civil societies cannot do it alone because it was all a collective responsibility, we should also continue to pursue justice and accountability in the society,” Liu said.
The Inspector General of Police Hillary Mutyambai who was represented by Jared Ojuok said the National Police Service Act is clear on the consequences of engaging in such malicious act.
“The National Police Service Act has given clarity on what torture is and the consequences if one is involved in torture which leads to a jail term of not less than 15 years,” Ojuok said.
Ojuok further said that the laws set aside prohibit anyone be it the police to engage in torture or brutality and will interpret today’s report by IMLU as they seek to address the issues raised by the organization.
Between 2019 and 2021, IMLU had documented 419 cases of torture, representing a 296% increase over the previous three years.
The launch this morning by IMLU of the Shadow Report by Kenya to UN CAT comes on the backdrop of the UN ‘International Day in Support of Victims of Torture that was commemorated yesterday on 26th June International Day against Torture under the 2022 theme road to redressing.
Today’s alternative report submitted in the application of article 19 of the UN Committee against Torture is the result of joint civil society work over the last three years.
The International Day is celebrated in support of Victims of Torture and is an international observance held annually on 26 June to speak out against crimes of torture and to honour and support victims and survivors throughout the world.
IMLU joined other Civil Societies in the fight against torture during this electioneering period as they seek to stand in solidarity with victims of torture and related violations.