Prevention of Torture of Persons Bill challenged

We were also joined by Valdi van Reenen-Le Roux - Executive Director of the Trauma Centre to tell us more about the adoption of the Prevention of Torture of Persons Bill, 2012 that will be tabled before the National Assembly tomorrow. Organisations assisting survivors of torture welcomes the bill but they also want to appeal to the National Assembly and other law making institutions of SA to recognise the impact of torture on individuals and the South African society at large. The Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation believes anti-torture legislation must have a holistic focus on redress which ensures that there is restitution for losses suffered by victims, there is guaranteed access to medical and psychological rehabilitation, victims and their families can claim their right to know the truth, there is public accountability, and the state has to provide guarantees that any repetition of such acts are prevented. For further information you can contact the Trauma Centre on (021) 465 7373 or visit www.trauma.org.za