Ms. Amina Bouayach was honored at the 4th Annual Conference of the African National Preventive Mechanisms Network (ANPMN), held on 26 June in Kigali, Rwanda, marking the conclusion of her founding term as the Network's first Chair.

On the occasion, the Network's Steering Committee and General Assembly presented her with a Certificate of Recognition and Appreciation in acknowledgment of her "exceptional vision, outstanding leadership, and unwavering commitment to the prevention of torture and the promotion of human rights across Africa." The award recognizes her invaluable contribution as a founding member and the ANPMN's inaugural Chair.

The tribute, signed by all members of the Network alongside representatives of partner United Nations and international organizations, recognizes Ms. Bouayach's pivotal role in the creation and development of the Network. It highlights her leadership from the earliest stages of the initiative, culminating in the adoption of the Marrakech Declaration in 2023 and the signing of the Headquarters Agreement with the Government of Morocco, which established the Network's Permanent Secretariat in the Moroccan capital, Rabat. Together, these milestones gave rise to the world's first continental network dedicated exclusively to the prevention of torture and other forms of ill-treatment.

The Network further noted that, throughout her mandate, Ms. Bouayach steered the development of this pioneering African platform with "wisdom, integrity, and strategic vision." Under her leadership, the Network evolved into a forum for cooperation among Africa's National Preventive Mechanisms against Torture (NPMs) and a unified African voice in global efforts to prevent and combat torture. She also laid the foundations for continent-wide cooperation grounded in the shared commitment to the principle of "Zero Tolerance for Torture in Africa, and a Torture-Free Africa."

The tribute further emphasizes that the confidence Ms. Bouayach enjoys within Africa's human rights community extends well beyond the Network. It recalls the unanimous support she received from African National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) in March 2025 to assume the presidency of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI), describing this endorsement as a reflection of the high regard for her leadership at both the African and international levels.

It also praised the lasting legacy of Ms. Bouayach's tenure, affirming that her vision "provided the foundation upon which the Network was built" and that her leadership "will continue to inspire the work of Africa's NPMs for years to come." It also expressed its deep appreciation for her enduring contribution to advancing human dignity and fostering a culture of torture prevention across the continent.

The General Assembly, meeting in Kigali, also decided that Morocco, as the host country of the Network's Permanent Secretariat in Rabat, will hold a permanent seat on the Network's Steering Committee.