The third conference of the African Network of National Preventive Mechanisms (NPMs) convened on 25–26 June 2025 in Praia, Cabo Verde, marking a key moment in the Network’s development and the digital future of torture prevention work across the continent.
Organised by the NPM of Cabo Verde, in partnership with the South African Human Rights Commission and the National Human Rights Council of Morocco, the event brought together 14 officially designated African NPMs—reaching the quorum required for General Assembly decision-making. The event also saw participation from international institutions including the UN Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture (SPT), the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), and the OPCAT Special Fund.
Representing the APT, Senior Detention Adviser Luce Ahouangnimon joined the conference on mission and contributed to discussions on digital technology and prevention. In her intervention, she noted:
“Technology offers significant potential for improving the prevention of fundamental rights violations in places of deprivation of liberty. However, its use must be governed by strict rules and appropriate safeguards to ensure respect for the privacy and dignity of detainees.”
A key focus of the conference was the thoughtful and contextualised integration of digital technologies in NPM work. Participants emphasised the need for digital transformation strategies tailored to the mandates, resources, and institutional realities of each NPM. Calls were made for specific support in terms of funding, expertise, and training to enable NPMs to navigate this transition successfully.
Following consultations, the NPM of Madagascar was selected to represent East Africa on the Steering Committee, and Rwanda was confirmed as the host of the 2026 conference.
Participants commemorated the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture on 26 June, reaffirming their collective commitment to the absolute prohibition of torture and ill-treatment. The Praia Declaration, issued at the close of the conference, underscored this commitment while calling on international partners, including the OPCAT Special Fund, to support African NPMs in their digital transition and operational capacity.
APT continues to support African NPMs in strengthening their mandates and enhancing their capacity to prevent torture and ill-treatment effectively.
