The OPCAT establishes international and domestic mechanisms of torture prevention through a system of regular visits to places of deprivation of liberty, such as correctional services facilities,  in order to prevent torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.  
Discussions have occurred at various domestic and international platforms on the proposal for South Africa to ratify OPCAT and to begin the process to establish an NPM. The SAHRC has engaged in a number of these discussions and is working closely with the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DoJCD) and institutional bodies responsible for facilities where persons are deprived of their liberty.

On 7th-11th May 2018, the SAHRC, together with the DoJCD, the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) and the Judicial Inspectorate for Correctional Services (JICS), undertook a study tour to examine the NPM models in Poland and the UK. The purpose of the study tour was to gain a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities presented by the Polish and British NPM models, to explore their possible adaptation to the South African context and to establish relationships with the respective NPMs, oversight bodies and NGOs, with a view to sharing best practice and advice on the establishment and functioning of an NPM.

As such, the SAHRC will be hosting a national dialogue to present its findings and recommendations from the study tour and to discuss the possible roles that could be performed by South Africa’s oversight institutions under OPCAT.

Please note that the media is welcome to attend the first day of deliberations, details follow:
Date: 23 July 2018
Venue: Southern Sun Hotel, OR Tambo
Time: 08:30

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Issued by the South African Human Rights Commission
Gail Smith – Spokesperson Tel: 060 988 3792 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Gushwell Brooks – Communications Co-ordinator Tel: 082 645 8573 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.