OHCHR engages with the Government of Turkmenistan in the ratification of the Optional Protocol to UN Convention against Torture and establishment of the National Preventive Mechanism
06 December 2023
On 27 November, the Regional Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights for Central Asia (OHCHR) organized a round table was organized for members of the Interagency Commission on the implementation of Turkmenistan’s international obligations in the area of human rights and international humanitarian law on experiences of ratifying the Optional Protocol to the UN Convention against Torture (OPCAT).On 27 November, the Regional Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights for Central Asia (OHCHR) organized a round table was organized for members of the Interagency Commission on the implementation of Turkmenistan’s international obligations in the area of human rights and international humanitarian law on experiences of ratifying the Optional Protocol to the UN Convention against Torture (OPCAT).
“Ratification of the OPCAT and the development of an effective National Preventive Mechanism will contribute to improved protection and treatment of people held in detention and better compliance with international human right standards in Turkmenistan,” - said Victor Zaharia, expert of the Regional Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights for Central Asia (OHCHR).
From 28 to 30 November in Ashgabat, OHCHR ran a workshop for representatives of law enforcement agencies, lawyers, judges and medical personnel on how to investigate allegations of torture.
“Effective implementation of the Istanbul Protocol on investigating, and preventing torture requires political will and active cooperation between different sectors of Government,” noted Ulugbek Azimov, Chairman of the Coordination Council of the Coalition against Torture in Kyrgyzstan.
Thses events helped to raise awareness of relevant government agencies about international obligations and experience in the implementation of the Optional Protocol to the UN Convention against Torture and the Istanbul Protocol. The experts also shared experiences of different approaches to organizing the work of a National Preventive Mechanism, including those frmo Moldova, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and other countries.
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Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment https://www.ohchr.org/ru/instruments-mechanisms/instruments/optional-protocol-convention-against-torture-and-other-cruel
The role of national preventive mechanisms https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/Documents/Publications/NPM_Guide_RU.pdf
Istanbul Protocol: Manual for the Effective Investigation and Documentation of Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment https://www.ohchr.org/ru/publications/policy-and-methodological-publications/istanbul-protocol-manual-effective
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