Source: UNAMA
UNAMA notes the announcement today of the main findings and recommendations of the President’s fact-finding delegation tasked to investigate torture and ill-treatment of detainees by Afghan authorities in Afghan detention facilities. UNAMA has not yet received a copy of the delegation’s report.
UNAMA welcomes the establishment of the delegation and its work.
As reported, the delegation stated it found the existence of torture and ill-treatment of Afghan detainees at the time of arrest and during investigation by Afghan police and national security officials. The delegation reported that almost 48 per cent of those interviewed had said they were tortured, and 66 per cent said they had no access to defence lawyers. The delegation proposed 11 recommendations to relevant Afghan institutions to address torture, ill-treatment and prolonged illegal detention.
UNAMA welcomes the Government’s attention and increased efforts to address this serious problem in Afghan detention facilities. UNAMA looks forward to receiving and reviewing the delegation’s report, and providing follow up suggestions to improve detention policies and practices.
UNAMA’s 137-page report on Treatment of Conflict-Related Detainees in Afghan Custody: One Year On released on 20 January 2013 can be found here:
