Torture victims in Jaffna peninsula lack adequate treatment

[TamilNet, Monday, 19 May 2008, 03:02 GMT]
Medical specialists and representatives related to the treatment of victims of torture in Jaffna peninsula who convened Friday at Thellippa’lai hospital, decided to request the medical authorities and International organizations for help in providing adequate psychological cure and follow-up treatment that are lacking in Jaffna peninsula. Security forces and Police are alleged to subject victims after arrest or abductions to severe torture before release, health officers said.

The number of torture victims in Jaffna peninsula is on the rise, and is two to three times more than the number of arrests, abductions and forced disappearances reported, the delegates pointed out.

Though the exact number and nature of the victims of torture under treatment were not disclosed to security reasons, statements given by the attendees were read out for discussion at the meeting.

Youths and family men between the ages from 25 to 45, who are subjected to severe torture during interrogation after arrest or abduction, are detained for some days and released and these victims of torture need to be treated by medical experts in this field, they said.

Particular attention was paid to the issues the torture victims face and the post-torture psychological treatment and assistance.

The medical experts stressed the need for measures to prevent torture victims from being tortured again after arrests and abduction.

Senior medical specialists attached to Jaffna Teaching Hospital and other government hospitals besides representatives of related welfare organizations pointed out to the lack of adequate personnel and facilities in the treatment of torture victims in Jaffna peninsula.

The participants in Friday medical conference resolved to extend appeals to the Ministry of Health and International Organizations related to the care and protection of victims of torture.