The APT conducted an intensive four-day training programme for newly appointed members of Mauritania's National Preventive Mechanism (NPM).
Held in Nouakchott from 28-31 January 2025, the capacity-building initiative aimed to enhance the NPM's effectiveness in preventing torture and ill-treatment in places of detention across the country.
The programme brought together key stakeholders from across the region, including NPM representatives from Senegal and Tunisia, international torture prevention experts and Mauritanian authorities, highlighting the importance of regional collaboration in addressing this critical human rights issue.
"Since its establishment, Mauritania's NPM has made significant progress in fulfilling its mandate," said the APT Africa Representative Juvénal Babona. "This training not only enhances members' technical knowledge but also fosters the exchange of good practices and prepares them to address future challenges in detention monitoring."
Dr. Abdel Malick, President of Mauritania's NPM, emphasised the mechanism's commitment to preventing torture through awareness-raising and constructive engagement with state institutions.
"This training equips our members with essential tools to effectively carry out our prevention mandate," Dr Malick said. "By strengthening our monitoring capacities, we can better safeguard the rights and dignity of persons deprived of liberty."
While acknowledging existing challenges, including resource limitations and the need for expanded access to detention facilities, the APT encouraged the NPM to continue developing innovative approaches.
"Each challenge presents an opportunity to refine our strategies," Mr Babona noted. "We remain committed to supporting the NPM in fulfilling its vital mission."
The Mauritanian government's support for the NPM was highlighted as a model for the region, demonstrating its commitment to upholding human rights standards and strengthening torture prevention mechanisms.
Participants expressed optimism about the future of torture prevention in Mauritania, with Dr. Malick emphasising the need for continued capacity-building.
"This training marks an important milestone, but sustained efforts are necessary to further develop our expertise and resources," he concluded. "The ongoing support from the APT and our partners strengthens our ability to fulfill our mandate and protect human dignity throughout Mauritania."
The APT reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Mauritania's NPM as part of its broader mission to strengthen the global movement for torture prevention.
