BackNew Zealand’s National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) has released its annual report. The NPM was established in 2007 under the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OPCAT). It comprises the Ombudsman, the Human Rights Commission, the Independent Police Conduct Authority, the Inspector of Service Penal Establishments, and the Children’s Commissioner.
This year’s report reveals concerns and highlights improvements identified during individual NPMs’ on-going monitoring visits of detention facilities. These visits covered police custodial facilities, youth justice residences, care and protection units for children, prisons, health and disability places of detention, and detention facilities of the New Zealand Defence Force.
The NPM identified many issues which have implications for a number of places of detention. In particular, policies and practices that affect the dignity of detainees are of concern as is the practice of seclusion and secure care in detention facilities.
The NPM recommends that the mandate of monitoring is reviewed to possibly include locked aged care facilities, dementia units, compulsory care facilities, community-based homes, and residences for disabled persons, as well as boarding schools and other situations where children and young people are placed under temporary state care or supervision.
Last April/May the Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture (SPT) visited New Zealand for the first time and inspected several places of detention. The Subcommittee’s report has a range of recommendations to government on issues that have also been raised the NPM. The SPT’s report provides a clear framework for implementing and monitoring progressive improvements. A brief overview of issues is contained in the annual report.
The full Press Release can be found here. The SPT report can be found here. The Government’s response can be found here.
Source: Human Rights Commission, NEW ZEALAND
