Survivors of torture gather

amounting to degrading and inhumane treatment. The service is organised by the Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum who have held events since 2002 on June 26, the UN international day in support of victims of torture. They have worked with the torture survivors’ trust REDRESS and the Zimbabwe Association. This year, in an attempt to put the occurrence of torture into a wider African context, they are working with the Sudanese Organisation Against Torture (SOAT).

A spokesperson for SOAT, Adowa Kufuor said: “The situation in Zimbabwe and Sudan, with regard to systematic use of torture and the arbitrary use of power by security officers is very similar.” She added: “Arbitrary Arrests, torture, cruel, degrading and inhumane treatment by state security apparatus to extract alleged confession, legal oppression and political oppression are all the hallmarks of both Zimbabwe and Sudan. These countries are characterised by the government’s complete disregard and contempt for international law and conventions related to human rights.”

Torture survivors and Human Rights defenders from both countries will speak at the service, which begins at 17:30. After the service there will be a procession to Zimbabwe House to lay flowers to emphasise the significance of the day.

Speaking about the importance of June 26, Kufuor said: “This day reminds the world of the fact that torture remains endemic in many countries as well as providing support and acknowledgement of the pain and suffering undergone by victims of torture.” She added: “In addition, commemorating this day also means assuring victims of torture and the perpetrators of such heinous acts that the fight by individuals and organisations to secure justice for victims and survivors and for the eradication of torture continues unabated.”