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Media Statement: SAHRC Visits Police Stations to Mark the International Day Against Torture
Attention: Editors and Reporters
28 June 2019
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC or Commission) visited twenty seven (27) police stations across all nine (9) provinces, country-wide on 26 June 2019 to mark the day designated as the International Day Against Torture. The Commission inspected the conditions under which persons who are detained in those police stations were held and engaged with the South African Police Service (SAPS) authorities in the process. This was a first initiative in visiting places of detention for the Commission, to mark the international day in support of victims of torture and it proved to be a great success. The Commission appreciates the support received from and commends Stations Commanders for their assistance.
28 June 2019
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC or Commission) visited twenty seven (27) police stations across all nine (9) provinces, country-wide on 26 June 2019 to mark the day designated as the International Day Against Torture. The Commission inspected the conditions under which persons who are detained in those police stations were held and engaged with the South African Police Service (SAPS) authorities in the process. This was a first initiative in visiting places of detention for the Commission, to mark the international day in support of victims of torture and it proved to be a great success. The Commission appreciates the support received from and commends Stations Commanders for their assistance.
South Africa ratified the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture, Cruel, Inhuman Treatment or Punishment (OPCAT) on 28 March 2019 and is in the process of establishing the National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) whose main mandate is to help the South African State prevent torture in places of detention. Its activities include making announced and unannounced visits to places of deprivation of liberty and thereafter report on findings.
The visits to police stations on 26 June 2019 were a dry run and precursor to the formation of the NPM. South Africa has adopted a multiple body NPM, with the SAHRC in a lead and coordinating role, alongside other institutions with a monitoring mandate, such as the Judicial Inspectorate for Correctional Services (JICS). Once the NPM is formed, it will, as part of its mandate, visit all places of deprivation of liberty, including police stations, Correctional Services facilities, places where persons with psychological challenges are held and other similar places.
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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