The APF has launched a new toolkit to assist National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) designated as National Preventive Mechanisms (NPMs) under the Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture (OPCAT).

NPMs are tasked with preventing torture and ill-treatment through regular visits to detention facilities, including prisons, police stations, and psychiatric hospitals. They also provide recommendations to authorities to address systemic issues, improve conditions, and uphold international human rights standards.

The NPM Toolkit for Asia Pacific NPM-NHRIs offers practical guidance to help NPM-NHRIs fulfil their mandate effectively, focusing on:

• Strategic planning to set priorities and allocate resources.
• Building diverse teams with expertise in law, medicine, human rights, and justice.
• Conducting routine visits, handling complaints, and producing detailed reports.
• Collaborating with civil society, authorities, and international actors to strengthen advocacy and prevent torture.

In the Asia Pacific, five NHRIs are currently designated as NPMs (Kazakhstan, Maldives, Mongolia, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka), while others, such as the Philippines and Thailand, are working toward establishing their mandate and ratifying OPCAT, respectively.

“This toolkit is designed to support NPM-NHRIs with the resources and strategies they need to prevent torture and ill-treatment effectively,” said Fia Hamid-Walker, APF Human Rights Defenders Project Officer.

Developed with the support of the Association for the Prevention of Torture (APT) and funded by the European Union, the toolkit provides comprehensive insights for NPMs to enhance their impact and protect the rights of detainees.

Access the full toolkit here.

• Manual
• Torture prevention

NPM Toolkit for Asia Pacific NPM-NHRIs

This toolkit offers a guide on best practices and effective strategies to optimise the impact of NHRIs designated as NPMs.

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