Honoring the Torture Survivors

An event was organised in Mysore by SICHREM in support of RCT, Denmark and PVCHR on the 10th September 2012 to Honour the Torture Survivors. The program was inaugurated by Human rights activist and political science professor Muzzafar Assadi. The other guests who graced the occasion with there presence are Mr. M Chandrasekhar, President of District Kannada Sahitya Parishat;  Sri Mokshapathi Swamiji of Ravandoor Murugha mutt, Mr. Purigali Maradeshmurthy, Journalist and Mr. Mathews Philip, Executive Director, SICHREM.

Five torture survivors were honored during the ceremony. Their stories were read out and were felicitated by the dignitaries with garland, fruits bouquet and a shawl.

National Consultation on ‘Testimonial campaign contribute to eliminate impunity for perpetrators of torture in India’

Peoples’ Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR) and National Alliance on Testimonial Therapy (NATT) in collaboration of Rehabilitation and Research Centre for Torture Victims (RCT) and European Union project is holding a two days national consultation i.e. 12th – 13th July, 2012 in New Delhi on “Testimonial campaign contribute to eliminate impunity for perpetrators of torture in India”.  12th & 13th July, 2012 at New Delhi.

Mr. Mathews Philip, Executive Director of SICHREM as one of the key speaker at the inaugural of the program said, “Probably the most important and effective step to combat this evil would be to increase transparency within the system where records, police stations and detention centres are open to scrutiny by members of the media, non-governmental organizations and other watch organizations. There must be a clear chain of command in the ranks of the police and each official must know that they would be held personally responsible for the treatment of the detainees under their supervision. Preventing any forms of incommunicado detention and improving detaining conditions must also be carried out. Female officers must be present when women are detained. Awareness programmes must be carried out to make known to officials that any form of torture or ill-treatment would not be tolerated and that matters relating to these would be strictly investigated. Legislation must be strengthened allowing for effective adjudicating and investigating bodies to look into matters of alleged torture and the punishments reserved for convicted individuals should be made stricter.”

SICHREM is in the core team of the National Alliance on Testimonial Therapy (NATT)