The consequences of torture amid a culture of impunity are very serious equally for women, men and children, say representatives of civil society.
On the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture that is celebrated on June 26, it is opportune to remind that torture is a serious violation of the human rights that destroys dignity and the human value, while in some cases it is part of a state policy aimed at inspiring fear and intimidating the people. In this connection, the Rehabilitation Center for Torture Victims “Memoria”, Amnesty International Moldova, the Legal Resources Center of Moldova and Promo-LEX Association made a call to the authorities, noting that the victims of torture have the right to rehabilitation.
In a news conference at IPN, Vadim Vieru, of Promo-LEX Association, said the members of civil society express solidarity with the numerous victims of torture from Moldova, including the Transnistrian region, who were or continue to be tortured or endure its consequences, and with the members of their families.
The expert reminded that the Moldovan state is obliged not only to prevent the use of torture and to combat impunity, but to also offer all the victims of torture efficient and prompt defense ways, appropriate compensation and social, psychological, medical, legal and other types of rehabilitation assistance.
The members of civil society demand immediate and unconditional measures to monitor and protect the basic human rights and freedoms of the persons held in prisons in Moldova’s Transnistrian region, especially of the persons who sought help because they were subject to torture and inhuman treatment. The Government is asked to pay increased attention to psychiatric institutions and to make sure that the patients there have access to efficient remedies against the use of torture and inhuman and degrading treatment, while the medical personnel respects the international standards and recommendations in the field.
The Government is also asked to contribute to the United Nations Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture, alongside other member states of the United Nations Convention against Torture, as most of the rehabilitation centers in the world, including the Center “Memoria”, are financially dependent on this Fund in ensuring one of the elementary rights of the torture victims – right to free medical and social rehabilitation.
The NGOs remind that the situation in the Transnistrian region remains outside any monitoring process and efficient instrument for defending victims of torture, who have no possibility of being rehabilitated there.
The members of civil society are waiting for real actions and a positive reaction to the call on the part of the Moldovan authorities and the international organizations present in Moldova, for which the observance of human rights is a priority.
