General News of Sunday, 25 June 2006

Source: GNA

African Anti torture NGOs to visit Kumasi Prisons

Kumasi, June 25, GNA - Members of the Coalition of African Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) Against Torture and officials of the United Nations Information Centre in Accra will visit the Kumasi Central Prisons on Friday.

A release signed by Mr Nurudeen Mohammed Ibrahim, Secretary-General of the Coalition said they would donate food items to the inmates as part of the UN International Day in support of victims of torture.

It said the Day, which is commemorated all over the world by different organisations and groups including schools would be marked with activities such as street marches, visit to the detention and prison centres, music, drama, lectures and art competitions to promote the work to prevent torture and help victims of torture.

It called for the total eradication of all kinds of torture including physical, psychological and sexual tortures and appealed to individuals, companies, institutions, organizations and philanthropists to support the Coalition.

"All communities are at risk for adverse health consequences as a result of torture, terrorism and war, which increase intolerance, violence and feelings of terror", it said.

The release called on states that have not ratified the UN Convention against torture, other cruel inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment and its optional protocol to do so to prevent torture in the world.