Congress to benefit torture victims

Sarath Malalasekera

The Asian Regional Congress on "Enhancing the Capacity of Rehabilitation Centres and Civil Society in Accessing Justice for the Victims of Torture" was held recently in Manila, Philippines.

The Congress was organized by the Medical Action group of Philippines and supported by the International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims (IRCT), Denmark and the European Union. Ten Asian countries and representatives of the IRCT participated.

Forensic evidence in the fight against torture and access to justice for victims of torture and their rehabilitation were the main areas discussed at the Congress.

A paper on "Asian perspective on medical documentation and challenges ahead in the field of forensic investigation alongside with access to justice for victims of torture" was presented by Professor of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, University of Colombo, Ravindra Fernando.

Dr. M Ganesan, Shanthi Arulampalam and Amalka Edirisinghe also participated.