Nepal: Child victim of sexual assault detained and subjected to torture
Kathmandu-Geneva, 14 June 2022 - A 16-year-old girl who was arrested, tortured, and detained by Nepali police in May for allegedly killing a neighbour who had attempted to rape her remains detained and is at immediate risk of further torture and ill-treatment, the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT) said today.
“When dealing with a child in conflict with the law, the best interest principle remains paramount”, said Om Prakash Sen Thakuri, Executive Director of the Advocacy Forum, a member organisation of the OMCT. “Nepal must respect the international absolute prohibition of torture of children. Miss KC must be placed in the custody of the Child Correction Home in Bhaktapur for her protection and safety. She should be provided with medical and psycho-social support and not be further traumatised. An independent investigation must be conducted and those responsible held accountable”, said Om Prakash Sen Thakuri, Executive Director of the Advocacy Forum, a member organisation of the OMCT.
After her arrest on 23rd May 2022, Miss KC (not her real name) was allegedly assaulted by a police officer and spent the night in the District police jail in Bara, handcuffed. Four policemen forced her to lie on her back while a female police officer repeatedly beat the soles of her bare feet. She was interrogated and tortured for days and eventually taken to hospital after losing consciousness. However, she was promptly taken back to the police jail, before she could receive a complete treatment.
Nepal has ratified the UN Convention against Torture and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which both prohibit the torture or other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment.
The OMCT calls on the Government of Nepal and its Investigating Authority to investigate the allegations of torture and for the Child Welfare Board to immediately ensure the protection, safety, and well-being of Miss KC, as well as of all children arrested and detained in the country.
The World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT) is the largest global NGO group actively standing up to torture and protecting human rights defenders worldwide. It has more than 200 members in 90 countries. Its international Secretariat is based in Geneva, Switzerland.
For more information, please contact :
Iolanda Jaquemet, Director of Communications
ij@omct.org
+41 79 539 41 06
