Promoting OPCAT Ratification and Implementation in Togo
The APT and the OHCHR Togo co-organized a two-day seminar on 'OPCAT ratification and perspective of its implementation in Togo' which took place from 16 to 17 June 2009 in Lomé.
Date: | 15 - 19 June 2009 |
Place: | Lomé, Togo |
Purpose: | To promote a prompt ratification of the OPCAT by Togo and, in the perspective of its implementation, launch national discussions on possible options for national preventive mechanism. Specific objectives:
|
Partners: | OHCHR Togo |
Background: | In 2008, the APT participated in two seminars organized by the Inter-parliamentary Union (IPU) in Togo. The APT took those opportunities to discuss the issue of prevention of torture, including the Optional Protocol to the UN Convention against Torture, with key stakeholders. A first meeting took place in cooperation with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in Togo (OHCHR - Togo) on 24 October 2008. It gathered representatives from the various Ministries, Police, Parliament, National Human Rights Commission and civil society organisations. At its conclusion it was recommended to follow-up with, inter alia the organisation of a national seminar which would discuss further strategies for OPCAT ratification and effective implementation. |
Activities: | The APT and the OHCHR Togo co-organized a two-day seminar on 'OPCAT ratification and perspective of its implementation in Togo' which took place from 16 to 17 June 2009 in Lomé, Togo. Approximately 30 representatives from relevant Ministries, judiciary, human rights agencies, parliament, police forces, the National Human Rights Commission and civil society organisations participated in the national discussions. The APT also took the opportunity to meet bilaterally with key national actors including the Prime Minister, the Minister of Justice, Minister of Human Rights, the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, the Parliamentary Committee on Human Rights as well as the National Human Rights Commission in order to promote a prompt ratification of the OPCAT in Togo. |
Outcome: |
|
Next Steps: | The APT will continue to support national actors and to cooperate with the OHCHR Togo towards effective torture prevention in Togo, including OPCAT ratification and implementation. |
Documents: | |
Contact Persons: | Jean-Baptiste Niyizurugero, APT Africa Programme Officer Audrey Olivier, APT OPCAT Coordinator |
{gallery}togo09{/gallery} |