OSCE Centre in Astana launches training seminars on National Preventive Mechanism for preventing torture and ill-treatment
ASTANA, 2 September 2014 – The second in a series of four OSCE-supported training seminars on practical aspects of implementing the National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) for preventing torture and ill-treatment in Kazakhstan took place today in Astana.
The training and capacity building events for NPM members from across the country are focused on the international legal framework and national legislation while promoting awareness of the UN Sub-Committee on the Prevention of Torture standards.
Some 90 members of the NPM from non-governmental organizations, regional offices of the Interior Ministry, Prosecutor General’s Office, Education and Health Ministries studied best practices of NPMs in other countries and discussed the key challenges in fulfilling monitoring activities in Kazakhstan.
Discussions led by renowned Bulgarian and national experts focused on experiences in monitoring detention facilities and analysis of international anti-torture standards, including planning of monitoring visits, budgeting, methodology and visit reporting, follow-up actions on recommendations as well as cross-cutting issues of external communication with media representatives and co-operation with relevant governmental authorities and prison management staff.
“Prevention of torture and ill-treatment is a key component of any criminal justice system strategy. The National Preventive Mechanism established in Kazakhstan in 2013 provides an opportunity to renew efforts in combatting torture and rethinking criminal justice approaches while taking full advantage of the mandate and added value of this new institution,” said Ambassador Natalia Zarudna, the Head of the OSCE Centre in Astana.
Vyacheslav Kalyuzhniy, Head of the National Human Rights Centre said: “The first phase of implementing the National Preventive Mechanism in Kazakhstan confirmed a strong need for training and professional development of its members, in particular for prison system officers and officials from other state bodies subject to monitoring under the relevant legislation. This series of capacity-building seminars for monitors will contribute to successful implementation the NPM mandate in Kazakhstan.”
Today’s seminar, co-organized by the OSCE Centre in Astana, the Commissioner for Human rights (Ombudsman) of Kazakhstan and Panel Reform International office in Central Asia, will be followed this week by two training sessions in Ust-Kamenogorsk (eastern Kazakhstan) and Aktobe (western Kazakhstan). They are part of Centre’s long-term efforts in establishing and promoting the NPM and the Optional Protocol to the UN Convention against torture in Kazakhstan.