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Working Worldwide to Prevent Torture
The APT is the international non-governmental organisation, based in Geneva, behind the ground-breaking Optional Protocol to the UN Convention against Torture (OPCAT). The APT is convinced that the risk of torture and other ill-treatment exists everywhere in the world. The challenge and mission of the APT is how to prevent it. For 30 years the APT has been a leading force in prevention by promoting three integrated elements of: Transparency of detention institutions through regular visits by independent experts; Capacity strengthening to reform practices of detention; Effective legal frameworks.
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Progress in the Implementation of a Lebanese National Preventive Mechanism |
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Monday, 08 February 2010 |
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The Republic of Lebanon, the first State Party to the OPCAT from the Middle East and North Africa, is making big steps towards the implementation of its torture prevention commitments. Having ratified in December 2008, Lebanon had to establish its National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) by December 2009. This objective has not been fully reached due to delays caused by elections and the appointment of a new government, but a proposal for a draft law to establish a NPM is now being processed within the Ministry of Justice. This gives hope that the NPM will be established in the near future. Secondly, the UN Subcommittee for the Prevention of Torture (SPT) will visit Lebanon in 2010, which will be its first to this part of the world. |
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First Meeting of European National Preventive Mechanisms |
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Monday, 01 February 2010 |
 One of Italy's oldest seats of learning, the University of Padua, recently co-hosted the first meeting of European National Preventive Mechanisms (NPMs). On 27-28 January 2010 nominated NPM representatives from 20 countries converged on the city to participate in a two-day peer-to-peer meeting focused on torture prevention, which was the first of several activities to take place in 2010 - 2011. The overall initiative, which is known as the European NPM Project, foresees a series of so-called on-site detention monitoring trainings for NPMs as well as of thematic workshops, both of which will be hosted by the NPMs themselves. |
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CINAT Checklist for Candidature to Special Rapporteur Mandate |
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Monday, 25 January 2010 |
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The Coalition of International NGOs Against Torture (CINAT) has jointly developed a checklist of suggested criteria to be considered in selecting the next UN Special Rapporteur on Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. Special Rapporteur Nowak's term expires in November 2010, and careful consideration is required to maintain the high quality of appointments to this important position. This checklist is intended as an interpretive aid to the relevant provisions of Human Rights Council Resolution 5/1 on Institution-building of 18 June 2007. View the CINAT Checklist. |
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Furthering the prevention of torture in Africa |
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Thursday, 17 December 2009 |
 At the initiative of the APT, the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights (ACHPR), during its 46th ordinary session held in Banjul, The Gambia, from 11 to 25 November 2009, adopted the Resolution on the change of name of the 'Robben Island Guidelines Follow-up Committee' to the 'Committee for the Prevention of Torture in Africa' (CPTA) and the reappointment of the Chairperson and Members of the Committee. The APT, being at the origin of the Robben Island Guidelines for the Prevention of Torture in Africa and mindful of the difficulty of national, regional and international stakeholders and partners in associating the name 'Robben Island Guidelines Follow-Up Committee' with its combating of torture mandate, advocated for this change of name in order to improve the Committee's visibility and impact on the continent. |
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Advocating for the Adoption of NPM laws in Argentina |
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Wednesday, 16 December 2009 |
 The APT organised a high-level mission to Argentina from 10 to 15 December to advocate for the adoption of laws to create National Preventive Mechanisms (NPMs) at the federal and provincial levels. Argentina ratified the OPCAT in 2004 but has yet to designate its NPM due in part to the challenges of federalism. Nevertheless, innovative solutions have been proposed. The federal Congress is currently reviewing three draft laws to create a system of torture prevention comprising a national coordinating body, as well as local bodies in each province. Thus, the legislative branches of several provinces are considering draft laws for the creation of such provincial mechanisms. |
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Torture Laws Compilation
The APT is pleased to announce a new research tool, the Compilation of Torture Laws, now accessible at www.apt.ch/laws Focusing on issues related to the criminalisation of torture, this tool compiles national laws of State Parties to the UN Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (UNCAT).
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