Malaysia has yet to ratify or accede to the United Nation's Convention Against Torture, said an international human rights organisation official today.

Amnesty International Malaysia coordinator Josef Roy told malaysiakini today that the convention is the least ratified convention and Malaysia is one of the 69 countries yet to do so.

"If Malaysia is sincere about abolishing torture, the government should do something about ratifying the convention," he said.

"Even the Malaysian Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) has proposed the convention to be ratified in its annual report made public this year," he added.

A 12-member Suhakam delegation led by its chairperson Musa Hitam presented its annual report to Speaker Mohamad Zahir Ismail in Parliament on April 19.

Out of 25 major instruments listed in the United Nations (UN) chart, Suhakam has identified nine crucial to the protection of human rights, including the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhumane or Degrading Punishment.

Yesterday was the UN's International Day in Support of Victims of Torture. The theme this year is 'Together Against Torture'.

International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims (IRCT) secretary-general Jens Modvig said the work against torture requires action at many levels.

They are, "denunciation of perpetrators; redress and reparations for torture victims; psychological and physical rehabilitation for torture victims; training police and prison officials; developing and enforcing national and international legislation against torture and promoting human rights education for all".

"Never before has the need been more evident to join 'Together against Torture' for torture continues to be committed in many parts of the world with impunity," Modvig said, in a pamphlet to mark the international day.

IRCT is a coalition partner of six other international NGOs, including Amnesty International, and is a forum for joint action against torture.

Punish torture

The UN convention on torture was adopted in 1984 and entered into force in 1987.

It requires governments to ensure authority to punish torture within their territory by, or against, their nationals.

Article 14 of the convention also provides for measures to be taken for the prevention of torture and the rehabilitation of torture victims.

As of April 17 this year, 123 countries have ratified or acceded to the convention, 46 have consented to allow the its committee to hear complaints from other governments and 39 have permitted the committee to hear complaints from individuals.