Over the past 18 months, the APT and the Asia Pacific Forum (APF) have supported nine "Torture Prevention Ambassadors" and their National Human Rights Institutions to address root causes of torture and ill-treatment in seven countries in the Asia Pacific. Last week the Torture Prevention Ambassadors met in Geneva for the launch of the project report and to present their work at the Human Rights Council.

On 6-7 September 2016, the APT will organise the third Jean-Jacques Gautier Symposium for National Preventive Mechanisms. This year's focus is on monitoring of psychiatric institutions. During two days, experts and invited NPMs will exchange knowledge and practices in order to explore the risk situations faced by persons held in those facilities, with a view to identify strategies for preventive monitoring.

How can judges implement the new policy on custody hearings to address torture and ill-treatment in Brazil? This was the focus of a recent seminar in Brasilia, gathering 50 judges and experts. The seminar was co-organised by the National Council of Justice, the Association of Magistrates of Brazil, the Human Rights Secretariat, IBA and the APT.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the entry into force of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture - the OPCAT. This is an opportunity to highlight some of the positive changes so far and to encourage further efforts to prevent torture and ill-treatment. Visit our special website for stories from National Preventive Mechanisms and others.

• LGBTQ refugees and asylum seekers at risk in detention 

• Venezuela should revoke Emergency Decree
   
• Exhibition: 'Torture - the International Outlaw' in Geneva until 1 July 

• Public Consultation on draft General Comment on right to redress for victims of torture, African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights 

• Does Torture Prevention Work? Research report to be published in July 

OPCAT Status in June 2016:

• 81 States Parties
• 17 Additional States Signatories
• 64 Designated National Preventive Mechanisms

For more information visit the OPCAT Database

Find out how you can support our work to prevent torture!