National Dialogue on the implementation of the OPCAT

The National Dialogue on the implementation of the Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture (OPCAT) was held at Bandos Island Resort. This dialogue was organised and facilitated by the Association for the Prevention of Torture (APT) and the Sub-committee on the Prevention of torture (SPT), with the assistance of key Government Partners, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Home Affairs, and the designated National Preventive Mechanism, Human Rights Commission of the Maldives.

The event was inaugurated by the Minister of Home Affairs Hassan Afeef. During his opening remarks he stressed on the importance of holding a dialogue between all state parties to ensure the effective implementation of the recommendations of both the SPT and the NPM, with regard to the detention center conditions in Maldives. He further reiterated on the importance the Government attaches to Torture prevention and expressed hope that the dialogue would build greater cooperation between state parties in this regard.

Participants from a number of Government institutions took part in the dialogue today and actively engaged in discussions on how to overcome some of the challenges and difficulties involved in implementing the OPCAT. Yesterday's meeting was a closed session, restricted to the Government stakeholders and the NPM. The second day of this dialogue, which will be held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs tomorrow morning, would be open to all other actors, including the civil society, judiciary and other relevant bodies.