As Chair of the UN Subcommittee on the Prevention of Torture (SPT) Sir Malcolm Evans, Director of the Human Rights Implementation Centre (HRIC), University of Bristol, gave a presentation at the Optional Protocol on the Convention against Torture (OPCAT) expert symposium, held in December at the RMIT University, Australia.
National and international human rights experts gathered together at this event, to ensure that Australia's ratification of OPCAT fulfils its potential, ensuring that people in closed environments are treated in accordance with their basic human rights. Sir Malcolm talked about his role on the UN SPT, his work on torture prevention and the huge potential of the OPCAT to make a difference to Australia and the opportunities it presents for the engagement of civil society and NGO's with the oversight of places of detention.
Sir Malcolm explained OPCAT has made a real difference to the countries that have become party to the system. It is the obligation to establish a comprehensive network of independent visiting mechanisms across the country. What is clear is that it makes a difference in terms of what it can inspire others to do. It creates a system and National Preventative Mechanisms established under the OPCAT are not just NPMS, they become part of a broader network that work internationally and are linked to the UN SPT, which draws on their work.
Following the conference Australia ratified the OPCAT and is now working on the implementation of its new treaty obligations.
Listen to Sir Malcolm's presentation here: Sir Malcolm Evans presents at OPCAT expert symposium (Office document, 6,766kB)