Preventing and combating torture in places of deprivation of liberty in Africa: winning approaches and strategies

For decades, persistent cases of torture have been recorded in Africa. These cases are generally documented either in places of deprivation of liberty but also during public demonstrations, acts of police blunders, the latter recognized by the ECOWAS Court of Justice in the decision condemning the Togolese State in the case opposing it to Dame Sessi Mélé. Clearly, places of deprivation of liberty, in particular places of police custody, are identified as places where cases of torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment are recurrent. However, the Convention against Torture prohibits torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment in its Article 2. The general observations of the Committee against Torture, following the examination of several countries, bear witness to this. Although the majority of African countries have now ratified the Convention against Torture, challenges persist in general, particularly in police custody, regarding the practice of torture and the situation of survivors. In light of this, civil society organizations, including those members of the SOS-Torture network, are taking action to prevent and combat torture, particularly in places of detention.

The presentation will be divided into three parts:

The session will be opened by Dr. Diakhate Hamet Saloum, Psychiatrist, member of the Subcommittee for the Prevention of Torture (SPT).
A lawyer from the Judicial Intervention Group (GIJ) will then share his experience with torture in places of detention and the responses provided within the framework of the GIJ. Mr. Henri Wembolua will represent the GIJ and the AUDF organization.
The session will then focus on the current situation, challenges, best practices, and prospects regarding detention conditions in Benin and Togo. This presentation will be given by Mr. Ralmeg Gandaho, President of the Board of Directors of Changement Social Benin (CSB).
Ms. Faridatou Brym will then detail the specific situation of women and children in places of detention in Togo on behalf of the CACIT.
CACIT will conclude the presentation by proposing concrete actions to consolidate the network for a more effective fight against torture and ill-treatment in Africa.

Languages spoken: French
No interpretation available

Please advise: Registrations will close 1 hour before the session begins. Register today with your email and you will recieve an email from Zoom with details how to join. If you face technical issues with Zoom or joining the sessions please contact Nic at nil@omct.org

Speakers

Faridatou Brym
Dr Diakhate Hamet Saloum
Médecin Psychiatre Sous-comité pour la Prévention de la Torture (SPT)
Henri Wembolua
GIJ et AUDF
Ralmeg Gandaho
Président du Conseil d'Administration Changement Social Bénin (CSB)