Technical consultations on ratification of the Optional Protocol to Convention against Torture

The event saw the participation of members of the Working Group of the Inter-Agency Commission on Human Rights of Turkmenistan.

International expert Yuriy Belousov presented the Ukrainian experience in ratifying the OPCAT and in developing a National Preventive Mechanisms (NPM), a key requirement of the Optional Protocol. During the workshop, representatives of law enforcement agencies, the Ombudsperson’s Office and the Institute of State, Law and Democracy in Turkmenistan were informed about the UN guidelines on NPMs and the different NPM models. Belousov stressed that it is crucial for any NPM to be independent and with a visiting mandate extending to all places of deprivation of liberty.

“The Regional Office is ready to provide technical and advisory support in the implementation of the tasks set out in Turkmenistan’s National Action Plan on Human Rights in Turkmenistan 2021-2025, in developing and implementing training programs on the Convention against Torture and in supporting Turkmenistan towards the ratification of OPCAT,” stated Omer Fisher, Regional Representative ad interim.

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Turkmenistan ratified the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment in June 1999. During the third cycle of the Universal Periodic Review in 2018, Turkmenistan received and accepted 16 recommendations on ratifying the OPCAT and establishing an NPM.