August 1, 2016 — Last Thursday, Special Rapporteur on Torture Juan E. Mendez was interviewed by Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s Radio National about footage of alleged abuse against children in the Don Dale detention facility in Australia’s Northern Territory. The Special Rapporteur indicated that the troubling acts depicted in the video can amount to torture or cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment. When asked whether the alleged abuse potentially qualifies as a crime under international law, he stated that although more evidence is needed “there is no question that here there has been an infliction of very severe pain and suffering [and] that the perpetrators are or seem to be State agents. What we need to know is whether appropriate action has been taken afterwards,” he continued. The Special Rapporteur stated that he is encouraged by the Government creation of a Royal Commission to inquire into the matter, and stressed that a proper response on the part of the Government would not entail not only an investigation of the allegations, but also ensuring that all persons participating in the abuse “including those who may have covered it up, [be] appropriately punished,” and offering and paying reparations to the victims.
Read about the Special Rapporteur’s interview here.
