BackMonitoring protests is a vital preventive measure, performed by a range of actors, including National Human Rights Institutions, civil society organisations, human rights defenders and journalists. In some contexts National Preventive Mechanisms are also involved, whether directly or by following up with people deprived of their liberty in connection with a protest.
The Association for the Prevention of Torture (APT) is pleased to share Monitoring Protests in Practice: Perspectives from Oversight Bodies, a new series of three Q&As with practitioners from Argentina, France and Togo. The interviews explore different institutional models, methodologies and lessons learned, including:
- monitoring arrests and police custody following protests
- documenting detention conditions and procedural safeguards
- coordinating between NPMs and NHRIs
- engaging authorities while maintaining institutional independence
- practical recommendations for preventing torture and ill-treatment during public assemblies.
The Q&As illustrate the diversity of models in practice and offer reflections that may support peer learning among oversight bodies facing similar challenges.
All three are also available in French and Spanish on the United Against Torture Consortium page.
The Association for Prevention of Torture hopes these resources will contribute to ongoing discussions on strengthening torture prevention during public assemblies and encourage exchanges of good practices among oversight bodies.
Source: Association for the Prevention of Torture (APT)
