On behalf of all of us at the Association for the Prevention of Torture (APT), it is with profound sadness we share with you that Jean-Baptiste Niyizurugero, our friend and former colleague, passed away on 2 November after a long illness. He was 64.
Jean-Baptiste joined the APT on 1 November 1999 and led the APT's Africa Programme until his departure on 30 June 2019. During these 20 years, he travelled extensively across Africa and met and worked with many of you: in civil society, NHRIs, NPMs and authorities. Jean-Baptiste was a true and tireless ambassador for torture prevention on the continent, respected by all.
He made a profound contribution to the prevention of torture in many countries. One that stands out for its importance and scope is drafting the Robben Island Guidelines on the Prohibition and Prevention of Torture in Africa, adopted by the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights in 2002. The Guidelines established a Monitoring Committee, later renamed the Committee for the Prevention of Torture in Africa, of which Jean-Baptiste was an active member for many years.
In July 2018, in the tribute he wrote to Nelson Mandela, of whom he was a great admirer, Jean-Baptiste spoke of ‘ubuntu’, the South African value that means ‘humanity’. He himself carried the value of ubuntu across the continent and beyond. He has gone far too soon. However, he has left an enduring legacy and we will continue to follow in his footsteps to prevent torture and ill-treatment, together.
Jean-Baptiste, you will remain in our hearts forever. Rest in peace, dear friend.
