Source: Human Rights Commission
A webinar marking 15 years of OPCAT (Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture) detention monitoring in Aotearoa New Zealand was hosted by the Commission and the Office of the Ombudsman.
This webinar explored the importance of independent oversight and the role of OPCAT in improving treatment and conditions and preventing torture or ill-treatment in places of detention.
In 2007, Aotearoa New Zealand ratified the OPCAT to prevent cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment. Five organisations, known as National Preventive Mechanisms, oversee regular visits by independent international and national bodies to monitor conditions where people are detained.
As the coordinating body, the Commission works with the Office of the Ombudsman, the Independent Police Conduct Authority, the Children’s Commissioner and the Inspector of Service Penal Establishments.
The webinar, hosted by the Chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier and Chief Human Rights Commissioner Paul Hunt, features presentations from Professor Sir Malcolm D Evans, Commissioner Saunoamaali’i Karanina Sumeo and Dr Armon Tamatea.
A recording of the webinar is available at this link: https://livestream.com/i-filmservices/behind-locked-doors/videos/232727651
You can read more about OPCAT monitoring at https://www.hrc.co.nz/our-work/torture-and-detention/monitoring-places-detention/
