14th July 2011, Male'; Speaking at the closing ceremony of the National Dialogue on the implementation of the Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture (OPCAT), the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, H.E Mr. Aslam Shakir called on all participants of the dialogue to work towards establishing a torture free Maldives and a torture free world. In this regard, he stressed the strong commitment of His Excellency President Nasheed to eliminate all forms of torture and uphold the norms of human rights in the Maldives. He further stated the need to find ways to prevent and eliminate torture, by strengthening the existing mechanisms and also by introducing innovative ways to address the issue. He also called for the international community's assistance and cooperation in dealing with the issue.
The second session of the OPCAT National Dialogue was held in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday. In addition to the state parties, members of the civil society, media, judiciary and other oversight bodies participated in the discussions. The dialogue highlighted the pressing need to build capacity and cooperation between all state actors as well as non-state actors, to fully implement the SPT and NPM recommendations.
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