APT e-Bulletin N°47, October 2015
OSCE: Bridging the gap between anti-discrimination and torture prevention
Those who face discrimination and marginalization in society are also at higher risks of torture and ill-treatment when detained. How can the OSCE ensure that the rights of people in specific situations of vulnerability in detention are better protected? How can this be more closely linked to the organisation's work on anti-discrimination? This was discussed at a recent meeting in Warsaw, where the APT brought together experts and practitioners from the OSCE region.
Three-year project with African NHRIs comes to an end
The Network of African National Human Rights Institutions (NANHRI) organises its biennial conference 21-23 October in Yaoundé, Cameroon, on the theme of "Prevention of Torture in Africa: Opportunities and Challenges". The conference also closes a three year joint torture prevention project between NANHRI and the APT, in which 35 African NHRIs have participated.
New members elected to the UN Committee against Torture
Five new members were elected to the UN Committee against Torture on 8 October 2015. The successful candidates, from France, Mexico, Moldova, Tunisia and USA, will take up their positions in 2016. The APT is especially proud about the election of our consultant in Tunisia, Abdelwahab Hani.
IACHR grants first hearing on LGBT persons in detention
The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights has granted the APT a hearing in Washington on the human rights situation of LGBT persons deprived of their liberty in Latin America. The hearing takes place on 23 October. The APT also participates in a second hearing, on invasive body searches, requested by a group of organisations and torture prevention bodies from the region.
Other News
APT Resources
Detention Focus Database

Detention Focus is a database on prison issues. It includes analysis, standards and guidelines for monitors.
Optional Protocol to the UN Convention against Torture

OPCAT Status in October 2015:
  • 80 States Parties
  • 18 Additional States Signatories
  • 62 Designated National Preventive Mechanisms

For more information visit the OPCAT Database