OSCE supports National Preventive Mechanism in Kazakhstan

A two-day OSCE-supported training seminar for participants of the National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) for Preventing Torture and Ill-treatment concluded on 16 March 2018 in Astana.

The training seminar was co-organized by the OSCE Programme Office in Astana in partnership with the Ombudsman’s Office and the Regional Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, with support from Penal Reform International. Some 30 newly elected NPM members from across the country took part in the seminar.

National experts explained practical aspects of the NPM mandate implementation, including how to plan preventive visits, conduct interviews, prepare monitoring reports, co-operate with state institutions, as well as address ethical issues in NPM activities. A separate session was devoted to the ongoing reform of the mental health service and the specifics of monitoring closed medical institutions.

The event is part of the Office’s long-term efforts to support the NPM and the implementation of the Optional Protocol to the UN Convention against Torture in the host country.