The OPCAT seeks to prevent torture and other ill-treatment through the establishment of a system of regular visits, to places where people are deprived of their liberty undertaken by a UN treaty body, the Subcommittee on the Prevention of Torture (SPT) and national bodies, National Preventive Mechanisms (NPMs).

The overall aim of the training was to help inform the ongoing national debate on the ratification of the OPCAT and the establishment of an NPM in Uzbekistan.  

The training was arranged by the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and the National Human Rights Centre in Uzbekistan. It brought together representatives from a range of institutions including the government, law enforcement, parliament, the Ombudsman Office and the National Human Rights Centre, to examine the opportunities and challenges for the ratification of OPCAT in Uzbekistan. Expert support was also provided by Mari Amos, a member of the SPT.

The training explained how the OPCAT aims to assist States to implement their existing obligation to prevent torture and other ill-treatment and examined the mandate and functioning of the SPT.  It also explored different models for National Preventive Mechanisms (NPMs), drawn from the experience of States parties to the OPCAT globally.

This training forms part of the HRIC's ongoing work to support and provide advice to national institutions on the prevention of torture and other ill-treatment.