Annual Report 2011–2012 Prevention of torture NHRIs have a leading role to play in the prevention of torture by reminding governments of their obligation to respect international human rights standards, conducting regular visits to detention facilities, investigating complaints and supporting training for relevant officials. The APF’s Prevention of Torture training program, developed in partnership with the Association for the Prevention of Torture (APT), is designed to provide our members with the knowledge, skills and processes to effectively monitor places of detention and investigate allegations of torture. Prevention of torture training resources. The program includes an overview of the international human rights standards relating to the prevention of torture, as well as practical training in preparing for and undertaking visits to places of detention and interviewing detainees. In addition, the program helps APF members to assess their capacity to fulfil the role of a national preventive mechanism and the extent to which they are able to comply with the standards set out in the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OPCAT). During 2011–12 training on torture prevention was provided to the NHRIs in South Asia. A total of 26 participants from the NHRIs of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka took part in the blended learning program, which included a five-week online course from 11 July – 12 August 2011, followed by a week-long workshop from 19–23 September 2011, hosted by the NHRI of Nepal. As part of the face-to-face workshop held in Kathmandu, participants had the opportunity to apply their learning to real-life situations through visits to two prisons and a juvenile detention facility. In addition, the representatives from each of the six participating NHRIs were required to develop detailed action plans to institutionalise and disseminate the knowledge on international torture prevention laws and standards taught during the course and integrate detention monitoring into the work of their institutions. Some of the common activities proposed by the NHRIs included: • mainstreaming detention monitoring visits into their institutional annual and strategic activity plans • developing internal guidelines, resources and training to build NHRI staff capacity around preventive monitoring of places of detention • providing training and building greater cooperation with police, prison authorities and other stakeholders • launching a public awareness campaign to generate discussion about the prevention of torture, and • advocating for reforms to law and policy, including ratification of OPCAT. Other proposals were specific to the needs of the particular NHRI, such as securing funding to appoint a medical doctor to join monitoring teams. Participants were encouraged to present their action plans for adoption by their NHRI and to build the recommendations into their ongoing work. In turn, each NHRI was asked to report back on their consideration and possible adoption of each action plan. 1. Enhance members’ institutional capacity to promote and protect human rights | 11