Accra, June 27, GNA – The Mental Health Society of Ghana (MEHSOG) has called for stronger rehabilitation, justice and psychosocial support for victims of torture, saying survivors cannot fully recover without sustained care, accountability and community-based support systems.
The Society said strengthening support for torture survivors remained a pressing human rights and public health priority, stressing that while some progress had been made in promoting human rights and access to justice, many survivors continued to endure long-term physical, psychological and social trauma with inadequate rehabilitation and protection.
The appeal was contained in a statement issued to the Ghana News Agency to commemorate the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, observed annually on June 26.
Under the theme, “From Trauma to Recovery: Strengthening Support for Victims of Torture,” the Society said torture continued to leave lasting physical, psychological and social scars on survivors and their families, but recovery was possible when victims had access to compassionate, survivor-centred rehabilitation, justice and community support.
“As we commemorate the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, we stand in solidarity with them, their families and all those working to eliminate torture in every form, including those in the mental health space,” the statement said.
It stressed that every victim deserved to be treated with dignity, respect and the opportunity to rebuild his or her life.
“Through the United Nations Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture (UNFVT), we remain committed to providing holistic support that promotes healing, restores hope and empowers victims to reclaim their lives,” the Society stated.
Against that backdrop, MEHSOG called on the Government of Ghana, justice institutions, civil society organisations and communities to strengthen support systems for survivors by upholding human rights, protecting the dignity of every person and ensuring that victims received the care, justice and recognition they deserved.
“Protecting human dignity is a shared responsibility,” the statement emphasised.
While acknowledging progress in promoting human rights and improving access to justice, the Society said there remained a pressing need to strengthen rehabilitation, psychosocial care and legal support for victims of torture and other forms of ill-treatment.
It noted that expanding access to survivor-centred services would not only promote healing and recovery but also strengthen national efforts to uphold human rights, improve accountability and foster social inclusion.
“A Ghana where every person’s rights are protected is a stronger, more just and more inclusive nation,” the statement said.
MEHSOG said strengthening support for torture survivors was not only a human rights obligation but also a shared national responsibility that required sustained collaboration among government institutions, justice sector agencies, civil society organisations and communities.
Observed annually on June 26, the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture serves as a global reminder that torture remains a grave violation of human rights and that survivors require sustained access to justice, rehabilitation and psychosocial support to rebuild their lives with dignity.
GNA
Editing by D.I. Laary/Kenneth Odeng Adade