The Human Rights Commission is designated as the Central National Preventative Mechanism (Central NPM). The Central NPM is responsible for coordinating the activities of the NPMs and maintaining effective liaison with the United Nations Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture (SPT) which is appointed to oversee OPCAT.
This report provides information about the work undertaken by the NPMs during the 2012-2013 period. A number of significant activities have taken place during this time.
New Zealand received its first visit from the SPT in May 2013. A delegation of six independent experts visited places of detention. The SPT met with the Government, civil society organisations, the Central NPM and the NPMs responsible for monitoring places of detention, and conducted interviews with detained persons.
The report and recommendations from the SPT will be submitted to the Government and will form the basis for further improvements to New Zealand’s detention system in future.
A key focus of the past year has been the review, assessment and improvement of monitoring processes by the NPMs. NPMs have undertaken an internal review of OPCAT procedures over the first five years of operation. Monitoring places of detention and preventing ill-treatment is an on-going task. Guidance issued by the SPT notes that:
The development of national preventive mechanisms should be considered an ongoing obligation, with reinforcement of formal aspects and working methods refined and improved incrementally.1
Taking the opportunity presented by the five-year milestone, the Central NPM and the NPMs have examined progress, challenges and achievements and have identified areas where we could do better. While we are proud of what we have achieved, we also know that there is room for continual learning and improvement. This review provides a solid basis for ensuring that we continue to carry out this important work as effectively as possible.