International Symposium for the Domestic Application of the OPCAT in South Korea

Monday, October 26, 2009

From 8 to 9 October, the APT was in Seoul, South Korea, to participate in a conference on the domestic application of the Optional Protocol to the UN Convention against Torture (OPCAT), organised by the National Human Rights Commission of Korea and the Asia-Pacific Forum. The objectives of this event were to encourage ratification of the OPCAT, move towards a national consensus on OPCAT implementation and increase cooperation with international organisations carrying out OPCAT-related work.

 

Date:
8 - 9 October 2009
Place:
Seoul, South Korea
Purpose:
Participation in a conference on the domestic application of the Optional Protocol to the UN Convention against Torture
Partners:

National Human Rights Commission of Korea

Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions

Activities:
From 8 to 9 October 2009, the APT was in Seoul, South Korea, to participate in a conference on the domestic application of the Optional Protocol to the UN Convention against Torture (OPCAT), organised by the National Human Rights Commission of Korea and the Asia-Pacific Forum. Traveling with the APT was Silvia Casale, member of the Council of Europe Committee for the Prevention of Torture, who is also former Chairperson of that Committee and of the United Nations Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture. Following a first conference on the OPCAT in 2006, this event brought together representatives relevant government departments (Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Defense, National Police Agency), members of civil society and academics with the following objectives:
  • encourage ratification of the OPCAT
  • move towards a national consensus on OPCAT implementation
  • increase cooperation with international organizations carrying out OPCAT-related work
On 9 October, the APT participated in meetings with key civil society organisations working on torture-related issues.
Outcome:
  • Increased knowledge and understanding of the OPCAT among key stakeholders, including government representatives and members of civil society.
  • Key challenges and ways forward for OPCAT implementation are identified.
Contact Person:
Jem Stevens, APT Asia-Pacific Programme Officer
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