Treatment of Conflict-related Detainees in Afghan Custody PDF Download

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Category : Child abuse
Languages : en
Pages : 74

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Book Description
Through its detention observation, UNAMA found a compelling pattern and practice of systematic torture and ill-treatment at a number of NDS and ANP detention facilities. In many other facilities, UNAMA identified practices and documented allegations of abuse that raise serious concerns about the possible use of torture and ill-treatment. These allegations require further investigation and prompt action by all concerned. Use of interrogation methods, including suspension, beatings, electric shock, stress positions, and threatened sexual assault is unacceptable by any standard of international human rights law, Afghan law and professional standards for security forces. In particular, the abuses found against children in custody are a clear indication that NDS and ANP should undertake urgent reforms to ensure proper oversight and accountability within their ranks. To improve their human rights records and meet their human rights obligations, the NDS and the ANP should undertake serious systemic reform and cease any use of torture and ill-treatment. Internal education is needed to ensure that all NDS and ANP officials understand what constitutes torture, know that using such methods is illegal under the Constitution, criminal laws and international law and that any official using or condoning such practices will be prosecuted and disciplined. International support and assistance could play a key role. Decisions to provide donor support should be based on NDS and ANP taking concerted action to cease torture and abusive interrogation practices accompanied by appropriate safeguards. The provision of training in non-coercive interviewing techniques, modern prison management and administration and a basic understanding of national legal norms and international standards relating to prohibitions of torture and respect for legal safeguards and due process rights are essential to assisting NDS and ANP to move forward with institutional reform and modernization. In the context of transition of lead security responsibility from international military forces to ANSF, the imperative to ensure that NDS or ANP do not abuse detainees or provoke local grievance through mistreatment or arbitrary detention is particularly important.