Komnas Perempuan: Delayed Justice is a Form of Inhumane Treatment

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The National Commission on Violence Against Women (Komnas Perempuan) views delayed justice as a form of inhumane treatment because it can prolong the suffering of victims of violence, strengthen impunity, and create conditions that enable the practice of torture.

“The phenomenon of delayed justice has great potential for torture or inhumane treatment to occur,” said Komnas Perempuan member Sondang Frishka Simanjuntak at an event commemorating the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture and the signing of a joint commitment against torture in Jakarta on Friday.

She gave an example of delayed justice occurring when a victim of domestic violence or sexual violence reports their case, but the report is not processed immediately or is processed but takes a very long time.

“Sometimes they have very difficult and delayed access, for instance when their case report is not processed immediately, or is processed but takes a very long time,” said Sondang Frishka Simanjuntak.

“Torture and other cruel, inhumane, or degrading treatment of women is sometimes disguised by various norms or traditions so that it is considered normal. For example, violence against women in detention, such as the fulfilment of maternity rights when a female detainee is pregnant or has a child,” she said.

In commemorating the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, which falls on 26 June, Komnas Perempuan emphasised the state’s commitment to preventing and eliminating all forms of torture, including gender-based torture, and ensuring comprehensive recovery for victims.

“This commemoration is important considering that the practice of torture and cruel, inhumane, or degrading treatment continues to be experienced by women, but is often unrecognised or handled ineffectively,” said Sondang Frishka Simanjuntak.