Representatives of 25 Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and prominent rights activists has urged the Manipur Government to press the Centre for the immediate ratification of the United Nations Convention Against Torture (UNCAT) and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, stating that the move is essential to strengthen safeguards against torture and ensure justice for victims.
In a memorandum submitted to the Chief Minister of Manipur, the signatories, led by Human Rights Alert (HRA), Manipur International Youth Centre and People’s Progressive Alliance, appealed to the state government to recommend to the Government of India the ratification of the convention, which India signed in 1997 but has yet to ratify.
The memorandum, submitted on the occasion of the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture observed on June 26, stated that many victims of torture in Manipur remain unable to speak about their experiences due to fear, trauma and social stigma. It stressed the need for society and governments to stand in solidarity with survivors and ensure access to rehabilitation, healthcare and justice.
The organisations also urged the Manipur Government to formulate an action plan for implementing the UN Charter of Rights of Victims and Survivors of Torture, 2026, aimed at providing protection, support and legal remedies to torture survivors.
Referring to India’s international commitments, the memorandum noted that although the Government of India signed the UN Convention Against Torture in 1997, it has not completed the process of ratification. It pointed out that the Law Commission of India had recommended ratification in 2017 and that the recommendation has been consistently accepted by India during the first, second and third cycles of the Universal Periodic Review before the United Nations Human Rights Council. Despite these commitments, the convention remains unratified, the signatories said.
The memorandum further stated that Manipur has witnessed a large number of alleged torture and custodial violence cases over the years and described the state’s population as being among the worst affected by such human rights violations in the country. It argued that ratifying the convention would strengthen legal protections against torture and reinforce India’s commitment to international human rights standards.
Among the signatories are noted human rights activist Babloo Loitongbam, Basanta Wareppa, M.C. Meitei, M.D. Isluauddin, Pamei Tuingalen John and representatives of 25 civil society organisations.
