Kisangani, 27 June 2011 – To commemorate the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, the Human Rights Section of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO) in Province Orientale, organized a workshop on 25 June to sensitize the local population on issues pertaining to torture.

The workshop took place at the Palm Beach Hotel in Kisangani, the provincial capital, bringing together State and non-State actors, including military and police officers, journalists, human rights activists, UN personnel, and representatives from the provincial Government.

Throughout the workshop, a general consensus prevailed on the need to bolster respect for the rights of human beings, including detainees, as they too, must be protected, and not be subjected to any degrading or inhumane treatment.

Participants heard shocking and poignant testimonies from several people who had suffered torture and brutality at the hands of uniformed officers in the province. They also listened to the messages of the United Nations Secretary-General and the High Commissioner for Human Rights read to them by a MONUSCO representative.

The International Day in Support of Victims of torture is an occasion to raise awareness on the practice of torture by highlighting the sufferings of those who are victims. "We want to highlight the need to put an end to the suffering, and, above all, the physical suffering inflicted upon men and women in several countries, including the Democratic Republic," the Head of MONUSCO's Human Rights Section in Kisangani, Tchangai Komlan, explained to the participants.

Codjo Houegniglo/ MONUSCO