UN: One-third of Afghan detainees report torture, ill-treatment
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 25 February 2015 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, UN: One-third of Afghan detainees report torture, ill-treatment, 25 February 2015, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5509411615.html [accessed 28 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
February 25, 2015
The UN says more than one-third of Afghans detained on allegations related to the conflict in the nation reported they were tortured or mistreated.
In a report released on February 25, the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said 278 detainees out of 790 interviewed said they had been tortured or mistreated between February 2013 and December 2014.
This marks a fall from the previous period, during which nearly half of all detainees said they were mistreated.
The torture methods used to obtain information and confessions included severe beatings, suspension from walls or ceilings, electric shocks, and near-asphyxiation.
The report said a "persistent lack of accountability" for the use of such methods allows torture to continue.
President Ashraf Ghani said the government "remains strongly committed to a complete elimination of any ill-treatment and torture in its detention centers."
The National Directorate of Security admitted to some cases of ill-treatment in some of its remote prisons, but said those involved had been disciplined.
Based on reporting by AP and AFP
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
