OSCE launches series of training seminars on National Preventive Mechanism in Kazakhstan

A two-day OSCE-supported training seminar for members of the National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) for Preventing Torture and Ill-treatment on practical aspects of NPM implementation began in Pavlodar, Kazakhstan on 6 May 2016.

The event is the first in a series of four seminars organized by OSCE Programme Office in Astana in partnership with the Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) of Kazakhstan with support from the Regional Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. It brought together some 30 regional NPM members from eastern and central Kazakhstan to discuss the legal and practical modalities of the Mechanism and the key challenges in fulfilling monitoring activities in mandated institutions.

Participants will learn from national experts how to plan the preventive visits, prepare monitoring reports based on their findings and assessment, co-operate with prison administrations, as well as address ethical issues in the NPM activities. Particular attention will be paid to the performance of NPM regional groups and their role in preparing of annual consolidated report on the Mechanism’s implementation.

The event will be followed by three training sessions in Aktobe (West Kazakhstan), Almaty and Astana. The series is part of the Office’s long-term efforts to support the NPM and implementation of the Optional Protocol to the UN Convention against Torture in the host country.