APT e-Bulletin N°48, November 2015
Yaundé Declaration: Making torture prevention a priority
For the last three years, the APT has worked together with the Network of African National Human Rights Institutions (NANHRI) to strengthen the capacity of African human rights institutions. At the closing conference of the project, 21-23 October in Cameroon, the 44 participating institutions adopted the Yaoundé Declaration, outlining concrete actions to prevent torture. They also proposed that 25 April will be recognised as Pre-Trial Detention Day in Africa.
First hearing on LGBT in detention at Inter-American Commission
In the first ever hearing on the human rights situation of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) persons deprived of their liberty in Latin America, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights reiterated its deep concern at the discrimination and violence faced by LGBT persons in the region.
The OSCE engages Adviser on Torture Prevention
The OSCE is putting an enhanced focus on torture prevention. A new position of OSCE Adviser on Torture Prevention has been created within its Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights in Warsaw.
Human rights dialogue between EU and ASEAN
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations, ASEAN, is set to explore and strengthen further cooperation with the European Union. The first policy dialogue on human rights, between the two regional bodies, was held in Brussels 19-20 October.
Blog series by Asia Pacific Torture Prevention Ambassadors
In the first part of a series of guest blogs by the APF/APT Torture Prevention Ambassadors in the Asia Pacific, Sidonio Soares from the Human Rights Commission of Timor Leste writes about the importance of systems to monitor and collect data on torture and ill-treatment.
Other News
APT Resources
Jean-Jacques Gautier Symposium outcome report

The Outcome Report of the second Jean-Jacques Gautier NPM Symposium, Addressing vulnerabilities of LGBT persons in detention, is available in English, French and Spanish.

Video: What makes LGBT persons especially vulnerable in detention and what can be done to better protect them from violence and abuse? Symposium participants Victor Madrigal, Maria Santos, Zhan Chiam, Leila Lohman and Boubou Diouf Tall discuss different aspects of this issue, based on their own experiences.  
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