On June 25th and 26th, we held a 2-day technical workshop on healing and justice mechanisms to prevent, support, and strengthen holistic rehabilitation for torture survivors in Nigeria. This workshop commemorates the UN International Day in Support of Torture Victims and is funded by the European Union through the International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims and United Against Torture
Day 1 began with welcome remarks from Mrs Kanayo Olisa-Metuh, Executive Director of LGCF, and goodwill messages from NCoS, the Ministry of Justice, NPF, and NHRC. Senator Anyim Pius Anyim (GCON) delivered his opening remarks and declared the workshop open.
Day 2 featured engaging group sessions and presentations. Discussions covered various crucial topics, including international and national legal frameworks for torture prevention, understanding torture, practical tools and strategies for torture prevention, and rehabilitation and support for torture victims.
We identified the gaps in the justice and healing process for survivors and developed better approaches using international laws and standards. Now it is time to put in the work.
In attendance were Sen. Pius Anyim, the Attorney General of the Federation, high-ranking officers of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) present at the event. We also had in attendance, development partners and stakeholders, including the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Amnesty International, Federal Ministry of Justice (FMOJ), National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC), International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), National Orientation Agency (NOA), Legal Aid Council of Nigeria (LACON), Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development (FMHAPA), Prisoners Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA), Search for Common Ground (SFCG), Secure the Future (SDF), I Hope Behind Bars (HBBA), SLC, and Sow a Smile. We sincerely thank everyone for their support towards the success of this landmark event.