From 6 to 8 March 2007 an APT delegation visited Kenya to promote ratification and implementation of the Optional Protocol to the UN Convention against Torture (OPCAT). Beyond the ratification of the OPCAT and the establishment and functioning of the National Preventive Mechanism (NPM), the delegation assessed how the APT could assist national actors in other areas that can contribute to the prevention of torture, such as: training on detention monitoring, strengthening judicial guarantees and capacities; as well as preparation of reports for the Committee against Torture.
The delegation, comprising the APT Secretary general, Africa Programme Officer and OPCAT Coordinator, met with a variety of national actors including the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), the Legal Resources Foundation, the Independent Medico Legal Unit (IMLU), the Institute for Education in Democracy, the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ - Kenya) and the Attorney General. Some relevant documents: Independent Medico-Legal Unit (IMLU) – Newsletter January 2007 Legal Resources Foundation Trust, Research on the Prevalence of Torture in Kenya Prisons Police accountability in Kenya, Commonwealth Human Rights Initiatives and Kenya Human Rights Commission NGOs Alternative report presented to the UN Human Rights Committee UN Human Rights Committee Concluding Observations and Recommendations State replies to the UN Human Rights Committee Concluding Observations and Recommendations UN Special Rapporteur Report on Kenya (1999) (E/CN.4/2000/9/Add.4) Some relevant links: Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) Legal Resources Foundation (LRF) Independent Medico Legal Unit (IMLU) Institute for Education in Democracy Kenya Section of the International Commission of Jurists