OSCE concludes training seminars on torture prevention in Kazakhstan

The last in a series of three OSCE-supported training seminars on monitoring of children's institutions for participants of National Preventive Mechanism for Preventing Torture and Ill-treatment (NPM) concluded on 29 August 2017 in Kyzylorda, Kazakhstan.

The event brought together some 25 NPM participants from southern Kazakhstan and aimed at increasing their capacity to prepare, conduct of preventive visits in children's institutions and follow up on the results. Participants trained on the methodology and practical aspects of monitoring the rights of children in closed institutions including centres for the adoption of minors, special educational organizations, juvenile correctional facilities and children’s divisions of drug addiction, psychiatric tuberculosis units.  

Discussions were led by an international expert from Belgium and national experts who focused on the international and national legal frameworks as well as the measures to improve existing mechanisms and techniques for preventing torture as well as degrading treatment and punishment. Particular attention was paid to communication with children taking into consideration their experience of being in a closed institution.

The training series involved some 80 NPM members from across the country. It was co-organized by the OSCE Programme Office in Astana in partnership with the Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) of Kazakhstan and UNICEF.

The seminars are part of the Office’s long-term assistance to the NPM and work in promoting the Optional Protocol to the UN Convention against Torture in the host country.