APT e-Bulletin N°55, August 2016
First working meeting of Latin American preventive mechanisms
The first working meeting of National and Local Preventive Mechanisms in Latin America took place in Panama 5-6 July. Organised by the APT, it brought together representatives of torture prevention mechanisms from ten countries. The meeting provided an opportunity to take stock of achievements and challenges in the effective implementation of the Optional Protocol to the UN Convention against Torture (OPCAT) in the region.
Summer University focused on monitoring of police detention
In July, the APT and the Human Rights Institute of Lyon organised the first French speaking Summer University for National Preventive Mechanisms, to strengthen their knowledge and capacity in monitoring of police detention.
Blog: Now we know that torture prevention works!
The four-year study "Does Torture Prevention Work?" has now been published and provides us with a better understanding of which measures are the most effective in reducing the risks of torture.

The research covers a 30-year period (1985-2014) and includes 14 country studies: Chile, Ethiopia, Georgia, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Israel, Kyrgyzstan, Peru, Philippines, South Africa, Tunisia, Turkey and the UK. It was commissioned by the APT, and carried out independently under the lead of Dr Richard Carver, Oxford Brookes University, UK, and Dr Lisa Handley, USA.

OPCAT - 10 years of preventing torture
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.
Other News
Optional Protocol to the UN Convention against Torture
OPCAT Status in August 2016:
  • 81 States Parties
  • 17 Additional States Signatories
  • 64 Designated National Preventive Mechanisms

For more information visit the OPCAT Database