OSCE-supported report on torture prevention at detention facilities presented in Kyrgyzstan

BISHKEK, 11 December 2013 – The presentation of an OSCE-supported monitoring report on torture prevention took place today at a roundtable discussion in Bishkek.  The report aimed at detecting cases of torture and ill-treatment in detention facilities, and was prepared by civil society representatives who visited a range of detention facilities across Kyrgyzstan over the past year.

The report analyzed information collected during some 460 unannounced monitoring visits to 51 penitentiary and police facilities, as well as 23 psychiatric institutions and five specialized establishments for children across the country. It offered recommendations on how to improve the implementation of the legal framework regulating the absolute prohibition on torture.  Approximately 40 representatives from 16 NGOs participated in monitoring activities.

The monitoring work was underpinned by a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in December 2012 which outlined a plan for co-operation between state bodies, human rights organizations and the international community to prevent torture. The MoU will be extended in 2014 and will include Parliament’s Committee on Human Rights, Constitutional Law and State Structures as one of the signatories.

“There is an understanding of the problem from all sides, as evidenced by the willingness of the authorities to sign the Memorandum, in order to bring about positive changes to the situation,” said Erkinbek Alymbekov, Chairperson of the Parliament’s Committee on Human Rights, Constitutional Law and State Structure. 

Participants in today’s event included The Ombudsman of the Kyrgyz Republic, parliamentarians, representatives of the Prosecutor General’s office, Ministries of Interior, Justice and Health Care, State Penitentiary Service, civil society and international organizations.

Ambassador Sergey Kapinos, Head of the OSCE Centre in Bishkek, said: “This event offers an excellent platform to address the problem of torture, through data-based analysis and discussion based on the unique data. I am convinced that the recommendations presented today should be submitted for the consideration of the National Council on the Judicial Reform”.

The national branches of Freedom House and of the Soros Foundation supported publication and presentation of the report.