Torture is a fact of life in Asian countries: AI

14 May 2014 07:32 am - 12 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

Torture is a fact of life in countries across Asia, including in Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan and China, human rights body Amnesty International (AI) said adding action should be taken against the issue

"Torture is a fact of life in countries across Asia. The problem isn't limited to a few rogue states, but is endemic throughout the region," said Richard Bennett, Amnesty International's Asia-Pacific Director.

"Asian countries must stop paying lip service to their commitment to end torture. Signing up to the international treaties is important but not enough. It must be backed up with concrete action," he said at the launch of the organisation's campaign "Stop Torture".

Torture is used to force confessions or to silence activists in countries such as China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Vietnam, the organisation said.

It is used to extort money in places such as Myanmar and Nepal, where poor and marginalised people are unable to bribe their way out of being tortured, the organisation claimed.

Amnesty International has reported on torture or other forms of ill-treatment in at least 141 countries from every region of the world over the past five years.

In a number of Asia-Pacific countries the use of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment is routine and accepted by many as a legitimate response to high levels of crime, according to the organisation.

In 2014, thirty years after the UN adopted the 1984 Convention Against Torture, which commits all governments to combating the abuse, Amnesty International has claimed that at least 23 Asia-Pacific countries still resort to torturing or ill-treating.

Given the secretive nature of the abuse, the true number is likely to be higher, according to the organisation. (PTI)

Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

Comments - 12

Yuri Wednesday, 14 May 2014 07:52 AM

Sri Lankan name in every negative things. not a single Positive. who is responsible The people who make the Gov or the Politician

Mohammed Wednesday, 14 May 2014 08:35 AM

Add to the list "America and UK"

DHA Wednesday, 14 May 2014 08:44 AM

What about western countries AI ???.....or its just that your report overlooks that side since they are rich and powerful ???

Pramitha Fernando Wednesday, 14 May 2014 09:26 AM

Amnesty International why not investigate US and UK backed torture in most Arab countries as well as in Guantanamo bay?

Mohideen Wednesday, 14 May 2014 09:51 AM

My dear friend the deference between UK,USA and SL they do not Torture their people,I'm not agree with UK and US foreign policy,make your eyes open what a bunch of Thugs are ruling the country.

mollamaari Wednesday, 14 May 2014 10:00 AM

Yes, USA & UK. And a special category called Torture, Rape & Beheading for all Middle Eastern Muslim Countries!

Pathi Wednesday, 14 May 2014 11:02 AM

Tell me AI, why don't you open your silly mouth and talk of the atrocities being committed even now in Guantanamo Bay, etc. What makes you think that the Western Countries do not commit Human Rights abuses. What a stupid man.

Mohammed Wednesday, 14 May 2014 06:52 PM

US & UK tortured not only muslims but also Red Indians by US and Irish by UK.......Dear Mohideen come out from the well and see the world.........

Nims Thursday, 15 May 2014 06:32 AM

Ney Mohideen, have you ever heard about torturing at Qantanmo prison? Who did those?

Nims Thursday, 15 May 2014 06:38 AM

The truth is: AI is paid by the west for the shit work they do,

nishan Friday, 16 May 2014 06:06 AM

Amnesty International have made many syatements on Guantanamo Bay. typical sri lankans just shouting. too lazy even to use to check that.

old citizen Friday, 16 May 2014 12:19 PM

The truth is many nations have progressed broadly in many ways but their approach towards humanity has narrowed badly.

Add comment
Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.

Torture is a fact of life in Asian countries: AI

Comments - 12

Add comment

RECOMMENDED

‘Spike in blast fishing’ poses renewed threats to Sri Lanka’s marine ecosystems

UDA owned land in Thalawathugoda; UDA Minister Prasanna Ranatunga under the spotlight for forceful occupation of reserved land

Loss-making SMIB faces political pressure in recovering loans

Baltimore Bridge Collapse: MV Dali, SL authorities anchored in mystery?

Has Sri Lanka become a potential hub for the illegal wildlife trade?

Spotlight on Moragahakanda Development Project Moragolla villagers lose livelihoods and down to one meal a day

Ambitious Sri Lankan jobseekers ‘trafficked into Ukraine war zones’

Most Viewed in News

Sri Lankan among NASA’s new crew for next simulated Mars journey

New Visa procedure implemented

Two racing drivers arrested over Fox Hill tragedy

Ranil Wickremesinghe caravan moves on despite barking dogs

Street food vendor arrested for verbally harassing foreigner

Racing event tragedy leaves seven dead including eight-year-old child

MIRROR CRICKET

Is Chamari Athapaththu Sri Lanka’s greatest cricketer ever?

Athapaththu back atop ICC Women’s ODI Batting Rankings

Chamari Athapaththu sets big goal for T20 World Cup

How does CSK get best out of Pathirana?

TODAY'S HEADLINES

No footboard riding allowed, no liability for accidents: Railways Department

Six patients claim Rs.600 million from Keheliya and others for permanent loss of sight

SLPP, UNP initiates action for forming broad alliance

Here is the way!

Pakistan lose key players for last two T20Is against New Zealand

Sri Lanka secures third spot in South Asian Kurash Championship 2024

Athapaththu back atop ICC Women’s ODI Batting Rankings

Army forms committee to probe Diyatalawa Fox Hill Supercross accident