The Asia Pacific is the largest and most diverse region in the world: geographically, linguistically and culturally.
There are numerous human rights challenges in the Asia Pacific which, unlike other regions, does not have a region-wide human rights protection mechanism. It is also a region where 13 countries have not yet ratified the UN Convention against Torture (UNCAT) and where ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture (OPCAT) is lowest.
The APT works both regionally and in certain priority countries. Our focus is on strengthening safeguards in the first hours of detention and building opportunities to promote ratification and implementation of the UNCAT and OPCAT. We support national human rights institutions (NHRIs) - at the regional, sub-regional and national levels - in their work to prevent torture and ill-treatment of people deprived of liberty.
Regional activities
We engage with the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) to support torture prevention efforts, in particular to promote effective approaches that reduce the risk of torture and ill-treatment.
We support the Southeast Asia National Human Rights Institution Forum with the adoption and implementation of Guidelines on Torture Prevention.
Through our #SafeInCustody project, we work with civil society partners and NHRIs in Malaysia, the Phillipines and Thailand to reduce the risk of torture in the first hours of custody, including national implementation of the Méndez Principles on Effective Interviewing with the aim to eliminate forced confessions and incommunicado detention.
We work with the Asia Pacific Forum to support NHRIs in the region to understand and apply their mandate to prevent torture and ill-treatment, with the updated Operational Guide on Torture Prevention.
Priority countries
In addition to working with civil society partners in Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand under the #SafeInCustody project, we are supporting the National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) of the Maldives to strengthen protection of the rights of women deprived of liberty, as well as providing advice to the newly established NPM in Mongolia. In Timor Leste, we helped develop training modules on torture prevention for prison guards and supported local trainers with their delivery.
Thailand
For many years, the APT has strongly supported advocacy by national stakeholders for the introduction of an anti-torture legislation that incorporates Thailand’s obligations under the UNCAT. The adoption of the Prevention and Suppression of Torture and Enforced Disappearance Act 2565 (2022) is a major milestone in anti-torture efforts in Thailand.
We now provide advice and support on the implementation of this vital legislation. With our civil society partner, the Cross Cultural Foundation, we also raise community awareness on the absolute prohibition of torture, in particular with university students.
Thailand has joined more than 50 States in supporting the Mendez Principles on Effective Interviewing at the UN General Assembly. We are supporting the implementation of the Méndez Principles at the national level, including to integrate them in the curriculum of the Thai Royal Police Cadet Academy.
Philippines
The Philippines is one of 28 countries in the Asia Pacific that has ratified the OPACT (in 2002). It was also one of the first countries in the region to adopt legislation to incorporate UNCAT obligations in domestic law, through the Anti-Torture Act of 2009.
We are supporting the designation of a National Preventive Mechanism under the OPCAT and building the capacity of the Commission on Human Rights of the Philippines – currently acting as the country’s Interim NPM – in its work to monitor places of detention
We also bring together stakeholders - from government, police, the criminal justice system and civil society - to support national implementation of the Méndez Principles on Effective Interviewing.
Malaysia
With our partner SUARAM, under the #SafeInCustody project, we are supporting creative activities that engage young people in discussions around policing and their rights.
Since 2016, we have collaborated with the ACT4CAT, a national advocacy coalition established by Malaysia’s NHRI for the ratification of the UN Convention against Torture.
