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Media Statement: Launch of the National Torture Preventive Mechanism (NPM)
Attention: Editors and Reporters
17 July 2019
On 28 March 2019, both houses of Parliament ratified the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OPCAT). The OPCAT establishes international and domestic mechanisms for torture prevention through a system of regular visits to places of deprivation of liberty in order to prevent torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. South Africa deposited the instrument of ratification of the OPCAT with the Secretary-General of the United Nations in New York on 20 June 2019. In accordance with article 28 (2), the OPCAT will come into force for South Africa on 20 July 2019.
17 July 2019
On 28 March 2019, both houses of Parliament ratified the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OPCAT). The OPCAT establishes international and domestic mechanisms for torture prevention through a system of regular visits to places of deprivation of liberty in order to prevent torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. South Africa deposited the instrument of ratification of the OPCAT with the Secretary-General of the United Nations in New York on 20 June 2019. In accordance with article 28 (2), the OPCAT will come into force for South Africa on 20 July 2019.
The OPCAT requires States to establish a National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) to prevent torture, other cruel, inhuman or degrading punishment or treatment. The South African government has designated the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) to perform a coordinating and functional role in the NPM together with other oversight bodies such as the Judicial Inspectorate for Correctional Services (JICS) and the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) subject to legislative review relating to their independence.
The SAHRC will on Friday 19 July 2019, officially launch the NPM. The media is invited for a press briefing before the official launch.
Details of the launch are as follows:
Date: Friday, 19 July 2019
Time: 11h00
Place: Castle of Good Hope, Cape Town
– Ends –
Issued by the South African Human Rights Commission
Gushwell Brooks – Communications Co-ordinator Tel: 082 645 8573 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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The Human Rights Commission is the national institution established to support constitutional democracy. It is committed to promote respect for, observance of and protection of human rights for everyone without fear or favour.
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