National human rights institutions (NHRIs) play a vital role to prevent torture in all places where people are deprived of their liberty.
They do this by conducting regular visits to detention facilities, providing recommendations to the government and to detaining authorities, investigating allegations of torture and supporting training for relevant officials.
"Torture is a severe violation of human rights that can never be justified, even in wartime, or when national security is under threat."
Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein, former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights
Supporting the work of NHRIs
We support our member NHRIs in their efforts to prevent torture through:
Capacity development: We offer tailored training programs and resources to help NHRIs effectively monitor detention facilities and investigate torture allegations.
Resources: Our “Preventing Torture: An Operational Guide for National Human Rights Institutions,” updated in 2022, provides practical tools for NHRIs, with a focus on gender issues and the latest international norms. This guide is also available as a micro-learning course in the APF Community.
Partnerships: We collaborate with organisations like the Association for the Prevention of Torture (APT) to deliver training and enhance the understanding of roles and responsibilities under the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture (OPCAT).
Training programs: We have successfully conducted blended learning courses on preventive monitoring of detention facilities, addressing specific regional needs. These programs equip NHRIs with the skills to monitor immigration detention, investigate torture allegations, and engage with policymakers.
Workshops: In partnership with APT and funded by the European Union, we recently held a three-day workshop focused on strengthening the role of NHRIs as National Preventive Mechanisms (NPMs) under OPCAT. This workshop connected APF members across the Asia Pacific region, facilitating the exchange of knowledge, experiences, and strategies in torture prevention.
Innovative approaches: The Torture Prevention Ambassadors project, launched in 2014, leveraged the expertise of senior NHRI staff to address the risk factors leading to torture and ill-treatment. This initiative strengthened NHRI positions in engaging with national mechanisms on torture prevention.
Torture often occurs in secrecy, out of public sight. One of the most effective strategies to combat this is to open detention facilities to independent oversight. NHRIs, especially those designated as NPMs, play a crucial role in this effort. As more NHRIs are chosen for this responsibility, we remain committed to supporting them with the resources, training, and partnerships needed to succeed.
