In a riveting revelation, the human rights advocacy group Avocats Sans Frontieres France, commonly known as Lawyers Without Borders, has brought to light their involvement in handling an alarming 150 cases of torture in Enugu State. These cases, as reported, have received sponsorship from the United Nations’ voluntary fund dedicated to victims of torture.
The disclosure unfolded during a significant advocacy visit to the office of the Enugu State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Kingsley Udeh. ProCAT Case Law Manager Edugie Amihere, the voice behind the revelation, shed light on the project’s inception in Nigeria back in 2009. The core mission of this initiative, she emphasized, is to combat torture and inhuman treatment.
Enugu State became a focal point for the project in 2014, and since then, Lawyers Without Borders has extended its reach to other states, including Lagos, Imo, Kaduna, and Ogun. The expansion, as Amihere explained, is a testament to the widespread issue of torture that demands attention across various regions.
One of the innovative aspects of the project involves extensive online training for lawyers, security agents, and journalists. The training aims to empower these professionals to identify acts constituting human rights violations and to equip them with the skills to report and protect victims.
Amihere also candidly addressed the challenges faced by the project, including delays in the issuance of nolle, a shortage of medical officers, and the suggestion to categorize lawyers into specific roles – those responsible for legal opinions and others handling court appearances.
Responding to the revelations, Dr. Kingsley Udeh, the Enugu State Attorney-General, expressed his commitment to supporting Lawyers Without Borders in their endeavors. He urged the organization to compile a comprehensive action plan outlining the steps they intend to take to ensure swift and effective service delivery in the state.
As this groundbreaking initiative unfolds, the spotlight is firmly placed on the tireless efforts of Lawyers Without Borders in amplifying the voices of torture survivors and championing a future free from the shadows of such heinous acts.
