Representatives from national human rights institutions (NHRIs) across the globe are invited to join GANHRI’s new webinar series that will explore practical steps to strengthen their efforts to prevent torture and ill-treatment.

The six-part webinar series, developed in partnerships with the Association for the Prevention of Torture, will also examine the role of NHRIs in implementing the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture (OPCAT).

The first webinar will be held on 14 October, with the series running through to early 2025. A special webinar will be held on Human Rights Day – 10 December – to mark the 40th anniversary of the UN Convention against Torture.

GANHRI’s webinar series builds on discussions at the 14th International Conference on Torture and Ill-Treatment and the adoption of the Kyiv-Copenhagen Declaration, which sets out a collective commitment by NHRIs worldwide to step up their efforts to prevent and address torture and ill-treatment.

“With torture and ill-treatment continuing in countries across all regions, our priority is to support NHRIs to implement those commitments and work together to meet the Declaration’s goals,” said GANHRI Chairperson Maryam Al-Attiyah. “This comprehensive webinar series will provide a dynamic space for NHRIs to share good practices, hear from experts, ask questions and deepen their cooperation,” she added.

Series overview: Strengthening NHRI roles in torture prevention and OPCAT implementation

Each webinar will feature expert presenters, along with case studies by NHRIs from different regions. Interpretation will be available in English, French and Spanish.

The webinar series aims to produce practical outcomes by documenting discussions, recommendations, and good practices shared by NHRIs. These inputs will inform GANHRI’s global advocacy and contribute to the development of practical tools for NHRIs on the implementation of OPCAT, the Kyiv-Copenhagen Declaration, and broader torture prevention efforts.

Webinars are exclusively open to NHRIs, for more information on registration, please contact: events@ganhri.org.

Webinar schedule and themes

Information on individual webinars will be provided below as soon as they are available. The order of webinars may change as details are finalized.

• Webinar 1: Strengthening NHRI-NPM cooperation for effective torture prevention. Enhancing NHRI roles in coordinating and operationalising National Preventive Mechanisms (NPMs) under OPCAT.

Date: 14 October 2024
Time: 14:00–15:30 CEST
Format: Online (Zoom)

Agenda | More info

• Webinar 2: Marking 40 years of the UN Convention against Torture. Highlighting NHRI-led initiatives as part of the global celebrations of the UN CAT.

Date: 13 December 2024
Time: 14:00–15:30 CET
Format: Online (Zoom)

Agenda

• Webinar 3: Protecting groups in situations of vulnerability: challenges and strategies for NHRIs. Addressing the specific needs of persons in situations of vulnerability to torture and ill-treatment—such as women, children, persons with disabilities, older persons, and minorities—through NHRI-led initiatives. These efforts include activities under the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture (OPCAT) and related mandates, such as the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).

Date: 30 January 2025

Time: 14:00-15:30 CET

Format: Online (Zoom)

Agenda

• Webinar 4: NHRI cooperation with UN bodies for torture prevention. Strengthening partnerships with UN bodies, particularly the UN Committee against Torture (CAT) and the UN Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture (SPT), and exploring how NHRIs are leveraging engagement with other UN treaty bodies to address torture and ill-treatment through thematic entry points.

Date: 29 May 2025

Time: 14:00-15:30 CEST

Format: Online (Zoom)

Agenda

• Strategies for effective NHRI monitoring of places of detention. How to conduct visits and use findings to drive systemic change.

Date: 5 September 2025

Time: 14:00-15:30 CEST

Format: Online (Zoom)

Agenda

• From compliance to change: monitoring and following up on torture prevention recommendations . Ensuring effective follow-up on NHRI/NPM recommendations and monitoring progress on torture prevention.

Date: 26 September 2025

Time: 14:00-15:30 CEST

Format: Online (Zoom)

Concept Note

Benefits of participation

Participating in this webinar series offers NHRIs a unique opportunity to engage in high-level discussions, gain practical strategies for enhancing their torture prevention efforts, and contribute to the global dialogue on human rights protection.

• Knowledge exchange: Engage with NHRI peers from around the world to share experiences, strategies and innovations in torture prevention, building a strong and shared response to common challenges.
• Engage with UN experts: Benefit from direct dialogue with representatives from UN human rights bodies, like the CAT and SPT, enabling NHRIs to align their work with international standards and strengthen their advocacy efforts.
• Practical tools and resources: Contribute insights and experience to inform the development of resources and practical tools that can be applied in day-to-day NHRI operations, particularly in areas related to detention monitoring and the protection of groups in situations of vulnerability.