Ms. Bouayach calls for the establishment of an African NPMs network
Ms. Amina Bouayach, Chairperson of the National Human Rights Council (CNDH), called for the establishment of a Network of African National Mechanisms for the Prevention of Torture (NPMs), aiming to share expertise, examine approaches, benefit from relevant best practices and ensure their long-term sustainability.
In her statement at the opening session of the International Conference on “Practices of NPMs in Africa: Exploring Emerging Challenges and Opportunities”, which was organized on 23 and 24 June 2023, in Marrakech, Morocco, Ms. Bouayach considered that the creation of this network is a significant commitment from all relevant stakeholders to work closely to achieve expected results, develop joint advocacy and submit recommendations to the various African and UN mechanisms working on human rights.
CNDH Chairperson stressed that cooperation among NPMs is of utmost importance. She indicated that issues confronted nowadays are generally universal and shared. Thus, it is wise to examine ways to institutionalize consultation and communication processes and ensure their sustainability to benefit from all the African continent best practices, she added.
This international conference was organized as part of the CNDH celebration of the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
African NPMs, National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs), experts and representatives of international organizations and networks participated for two days in this event. They reviewed legal and institutional challenges and developments related to the prevention of torture in several African countries and discussed challenges and appropriate possible solutions.