Serbia Celebrates 10th Anniversary of UN Torture Prevention Protocol

Belgrade, 27-October-2016 Serbia today celebrates the 10th anniversary of the entry-into-force of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OPCAT). The OPCAT is the premiere international legal instrument on the prevention of torture and related negative treatment.   

The OPCAT was adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2002.   It entered into force in 2006.   Serbia ratified the OPCAT treaty in 2006. In 2011, Serbia established a National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) against torture, as specified by the OPCAT. The NPM carries out site visits to places of detention and undertakes other work aimed at ending all forms of torture and related degrading treatment. 

The anniversary was celebrated at a public event in Belgrade, convened by the Serbian Protector of Citizens (Ombuds institution) and the Office of the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Serbia, with the support from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. 

Speaking at the event, Deputy Ombudsperson and NPM Coordinator Milos Jankovic said, “The OPCAT and the National Preventive Mechanism against torture have repeatedly proven their importance and effectiveness in the work of ending torture and degrading treatment once and for all.”

On the occasion of the OPCAT anniversary, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Serbia Irena Vojackova-Sollorano said, “The OPCAT is an excellent example of how international human rights law can bring about positive change for people in real, tangible ways.”

Further information on the OPCAT is available at: http://www.ohchr.org/EN/HRBodies/OPCAT/Pages/OPCATIndex.aspx

Further information on Serbia’s National Preventive Mechanism is available at: http://www.npm.lls.rs/