June 25, 2012, Kathmandu,Nepal
We are observing June 26, 2012, the UN International Day in Support of Victims of Torture. The expression itself reflects sorrow, tears and sufferings of the survivors of torture inflicted to them in political or other reasons of repression. Nepal is facing problems with torture and many of the victims of torture are facing numerous problems attached to their physical and psychological conditions. The major concern that torture victims always take in their minds is impunity granted by the state to the perpetrators. We human rights defenders express our solidarity to them.

FOHRID has already prepared and submitted a draft bill to the Government of Nepal to criminalize torture and prosecute the perpetrators as well as repair the losses borne by the victims. On the occasion of this international day, we would like to remind the government to expedite the process of legislating anti-torture law. We also ask the senior political leaders to come forward to pass the law without any delay with full consideration to our constitutional promise and international obligations in ending practice of torture and ensuring justice to the Victims.

Encl: The Bill Relating to Torture, 2065 (2008), drafted by FOHRID with wider involvement of human rights and civil society and submitted to the Ministry of Home, Government of Nepal as alternative anti-torture bill is enclosed herewith.

Raj Kumar Siwakoti,
Secretary General