HRA, MIYC and PPAM observed the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture in Imphal, urging the Government of India to ratify the UN Convention Against Torture.
Imphal, June 26: Human Rights Alert (HRA), Manipur International Youth Centre (MIYC) and People's Progressive Alliance Manipur (PPAM) jointly observed the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture on Friday with a programme at the HRA Conference Hall in Kwakeithel, Imphal.
The event brought together torture survivors, human rights activists, academicians and journalists to mark the international observance and discuss the need for greater protection and support for victims and survivors of torture.
According to a joint press release issued by the three organisations, the programme began with a music therapy session conducted by young psychologist Nongthang Ngamba Thongam.
During the programme, torture survivors shared their personal experiences, describing the physical and psychological trauma they continue to face as well as their long struggle for recovery and justice.
The organisers said the gathering expressed solidarity with survivors and resolved to stand with them in their efforts to heal physically and mentally, both within their families and in their communities.
The programme concluded with participants signing a memorandum addressed to the Chief Minister of Manipur which will be submitted later. Through the memorandum, they called on the state government to prepare an action plan for implementing the UN Charter of Rights of Victims and Survivors of Torture, 2026.
The memorandum also urged the Chief Minister to recommend that the Government of India immediately ratify the United Nations Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT).
The organisations noted that while the Government of India signed the Convention Against Torture in 1997, it has not ratified the treaty to date.
According to the joint statement, the Law Commission of India recommended ratification of the convention in 2017. It further stated that during the first, second and third Universal Periodic Reviews of the UN Human Rights Council, numerous countries recommended that India ratify the convention, and that the Government of India accepted those recommendations during all three review cycles.
However, the organisations said the ratification has yet to take place.
Referring to the situation in Manipur, the joint statement said a memorandum will be submitted urging the Chief Minister to recommend to the Union Government that it ratify the Convention Against Torture, citing what the organisations described as the experiences of torture suffered by people in the state.
The joint press release was issued by Ranjeeta Sadokpam, Deputy Director of Human Rights Alert; Reena Thangjam, Secretary of the Women's Cell of the Manipur International Youth Centre; and MC Meitei, Convenor of the People's Progressive Alliance Manipur.
