On this Human Rights Day 2024, we commemorate 40 years of the Convention Against Torture—a landmark treaty dedicated to ending torture and inhuman treatment worldwide.

Adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 10 December 1984, the Convention has been instrumental in strengthening the global fight against torture, securing justice for victims, and providing a framework for action by States, UN mechanisms, civil society, and National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs).

NHRIs play a critical role in monitoring, advocating, and supporting efforts to uphold the Convention’s principles and ensure accountability, by:

Protecting human rights and dignity

• NHRIs act as watchdogs, ensuring that governments adhere to human rights standards, including those outlined in the UN Convention Against Torture.
• By monitoring detention centres and prison conditions, NHRIs work to uphold human dignity and ensure that torture has no place in our societies.

Working with communities for change

• In addition to monitoring, NHRIs engage with communities to understand their concerns and support them to realise their rights.
• Through public awareness programs and community consultations, NHRIs support individuals and communities to speak out against torture and advocate for justice and accountability.

Collaborating with regional and international bodies

• To strengthen their work, NHRIs collaborate with regional and international bodies and civil society organisations.
• Together, they advocate for reforms to strengthen legal protections against torture, address systemic issues, and support individuals in their journey towards justice.

Supporting the torture prevention work of NHRIs

We support our member NHRIs in their efforts to prevent torture through:

• Capacity development: We offer tailored training programs and resources to help NHRIs effectively monitor detention facilities and investigate torture allegations. Recently, we have hosted workshops and training sessions on the role of NHRIs designated as National Preventive Mechanisms (NPMs).
• Resources: Our manual Preventing Torture: An Operational Guide for National Human Rights Institutions, provides practical tools for NHRIs, with a focus on gender issues and the latest international norms. Our latest publication NPM Toolkit for Asia Pacific NPM-NHRIs offers a guide on good practices and effective strategies to optimise the impact of NHRIs designated as NPMs.
• Partnerships: We collaborate with organisations like the Association for the Prevention of Torture (APT) to deliver training and enhance the understanding of roles and responsibilities under the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture (OPCAT).