APT e-Bulletin N°50, January 2016
Welcoming the adoption of the 'Mandela Rules'
In a historic move, the UN General Assembly unanimously adopted the revised Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners - the Mandela Rules - in December 2015. The revised Rules will certainly remain the main reference for everyone working on detention worldwide, including monitoring bodies. But what exactly is new? Among other things, the Mandela Rules recognise that transparency in places of detention is central to prevent torture and ill-treatment.
Detention Focus update

Detention Focus, APT's database on prison issues, has been entirely reviewed to reflect the new content of the Mandela Rules. Check in particular issues such as solitary confinement, searches, files and records or healthcare!
Peru: Ombudsperson's office becomes the National Preventive Mechanism
In December, the Peruvian Congress enacted the law to designate the Ombudsperson's Office (Defensorķa del Pueblo) as National Preventive Mechanism. Peru ratified the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture (OPCAT) in 2007.
Policing, human rights and detention monitoring training in Tajikistan
Safeguards in police custody and the essential role of independent monitoring of places of deprivation of liberty was the focus of a training course for some 30 representatives of the Tajik police, the Home Ministry, the Ombudsperson's office and civil society.
Rwanda discusses its future torture prevention body
What is the role of the National Preventive Mechanism in the torture prevention system, and what would be a suitable model for Rwanda? These key issues were discussed at a recent stakeholder consultation in Kigali.
Penitentiary Academy integrates module on prevention and vulnerabilities
Over the past two years, APT has worked with the Penitentiary Academy in Panama, to train the trainers of future penitentiary staff on the prevention of torture, with a particular focus on detainees in situations of vulnerability. 
Other News
APT Resources



Coherence of the torture prevention system in Tunisia

This report, available in French and Arabic, offers an overview of key actors and issues for the establishment of a coherent system for torture prevention in Tunisia.
Optional Protocol to the UN Convention against Torture

OPCAT Status in January 2016:
  • 80 States Parties
  • 18 Additional States Signatories
  • 64 Designated National Preventive Mechanisms

For more information visit the OPCAT Database