NHRIs as key actors in preventing and fighting torture and other forms of ill-treatment
14th March 2023 – The newly appointed Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment, Dr Alice Edwards, presented her report today to the 52nd Human Rights Council.
GANHRI intervened during the interactive dialogue welcoming the report and encouraging member states that have not yet done so to increase protection against torture of their national population through the establishment of independent and well-resourced NHRIs. The statement was delivered by Louise Holck, Executive Director of the Danish Institute for Human Rights, on GANHRI’s behalf.
“As NHRIs, we are strategically positioned to apply our unique mandate and functions in the fight against torture and other forms of ill-treatment” – said Louise Holck.
Many NHRIs also serve as national preventative mechanisms (NPM) under the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OPCAT) with specific mandates and responsibilities addressing situations of persons with special vulnerability, including children, women, older persons, migrants, and persons deprived of their liberty.
GANHRI will be hosting on 15th of March during its 2023 Annual Meeting, a knowledge exchange of good practices for NHRIs on “Torture and other ill-treatment: the role of NHRIs”, hosted in cooperation with the OHCHR. The interactive event will be an opportunity for NHRIs to share their experiences, insights and examples of good practice in preventing and addressing torture and ill-treatment in places of detention.
These discussions will identify NHRI priorities in this area of their work and will inform preparations for the 14th International Conference of NHRIs at the end of this year, which will focus on the role of NHRIs to prevent and respond to torture and ill-treatment.
