‘Love Binds Us, Rather Than Torture’
“What could be more contrary to the common cultural values that bind us together across the Pacific than torture and cruel and inhumane and degrading treatment,”
Thursday 07 February 2019 | 16:55
Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama with participants at the High-level seminar on the Convention Against Torture Initiative at the InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa at Natadola yesterday. Photo: Waisea Nasokia
Dignity, collective security, honour and love is what binds us together across the Pacific, rather than torture, says Dr Audrey Aumua.
The Pacific Community (SPC) Deputy Director-General made the comment during the High-Level Regional Seminar organised by the Fijian Government in collaboration with the Pacific Community’s (SPC’s) Regional Rights Resource team, on the Ratification and Implementation on the United Nations Convention against Torture in the Pacific at the InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa at Natadola yesterday.
“What could be more contrary to the common cultural values that bind us together across the Pacific than torture and cruel and inhumane and degrading treatment,” she said.
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“All of these values are undermined by any actions covered by the definitions contained within Convention Against Torture (CAT).”
Dr Aumua said within the context of CAT in the region, there were already excellent examples that demonstrated the approach.
“The time is right to do the same with the prevention of torture, inhuman and degrading treatment,” she said.
Edited by Epineri Vula
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