The Republic of Fiji Military Forces and the Fiji Police Force have reiterated their support to the notion that Fiji should endorse the United Nations Convention Against Torture (UNCAT) to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence.
RFMF Land Force Commander Sitiveni Qiliho said the ratification of the UN Convention Against Torture will enhance Fiji’s image not only in the international arena but more specifically as a troop contributing country to the United Nations.
Qiliho said the ratification will also indicate Fiji’s willingness and adherence to global principles and interest.
He added that through these principles the force will be overhauled and prepare itself for it’s future challenges.
Qiliho added that the ratification will strengthen RFMF’s position of contributing professional soldiers that will uphold the values of the United Nations in difficult circumstances and also ensure that they meet their goals.
Meanwhile, Acting Commissioner of Police Isikeli Vuniwaqa said that the article 1 of the convention clearly spells out torture and is well stipulated.
When questioned by member of parliament Neil Sharma on how the force is going to prevent torture, Vuniwaqa says that the police force are now doing video recordings during any sort of interrogation.
Vuniwaqa added with the ratification of the UN Convention Against Torture, robust awareness and education programs are needed.
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