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Geneva, The United Nations Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture (SPT) announced its upcoming visit to Gabon from 10 to 16 March, marking its second assessment trip to the country. The visit aims to evaluate the implementation of recommendations made in a 2014 report following the SPT’s initial visit in 2013. This trip underscores the ongoing efforts to enhance mechanisms for preventing torture and other forms of ill-treatment within Gabon.
According to Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Abdallah Ounnir, the chair of the four-member delegation, expressed satisfaction with Gabon’s progress, particularly highlighting the country’s initiative to establish an independent national torture prevention mechanism (NPM). With Gabon in the final stages of formalizing its NPM, the SPT’s visit comes at a crucial time to offer further advice and support.
Gabon ratified the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OPCAT) in 2010, taking a significant step towards bolstering its commitment to human rights. The creation of its NPM is a pivotal move in fulfilling the obligations under the OPCAT.
During their stay, the SPT delegation plans to engage with various stakeholders, including government officials, the legislature, judges, prosecutors, UN entities, and representatives from civil society. These discussions are aimed at gathering comprehensive insights into the advancements and challenges in preventing torture and ill-treatment in Gabon.
Following the visit, the SPT will compile a report detailing its findings and recommendations, which will be shared with the Gabonese Government. The decision to make this report public rests with Gabon, mirroring the approach taken with the initial report, which was released by the SPT.
The SPT’s mandate enables it to conduct unannounced visits to places of detention across states party to the OPCAT, including prisons, detention centers, police stations, and psychiatric hospitals, among others. Since its inception in 2007, the SPT has visited more than 80 countries, emphasizing the importance of cooperation and confidentiality in its relationship with States parties and their preventive mechanisms.
The delegation visiting Gabon includes Abdallah Ounnir (Morocco), Hameth Diakhate (Senegal), Hamida Dridi (Tunisia), and Julia Kozma (Austria), representing a diverse team of experts committed to the cause of preventing torture and ill-treatment globally.
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