On Wednesday 8 November 2023, the National Human Rights Council (CNDH)/National Mechanism for the Prevention of Torture (NPM) participated in the plenary session on “Participation, Partnership and Cooperation: Path and Strategies for Effective Engagement for the Future”, as part of the 14th International Conference of National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs), organized under the theme “Torture and Other ill-treatment: The Role of NHRIs”, from 6 to 8 November 2023 in UN City, Copenhagen, Denmark.

Dr. Mohamed Benaajiba, Moroccan NPM Coordinator, highlighted the NPM experience since its establishment in September 2019, emphasizing its missions outlined in Law 76-15. These missions include regular visits to different places of deprivation of liberty, making recommendations for improving conditions of persons deprived of their liberty and preventing torture, submitting proposals/comments on current legislation/draft laws related to torture prevention, etc.

Addressing cooperation and partnerships, Dr. Benaajiba stressed that establishing partnerships at the national, regional and international levels was a strategic choice for the CNDH. This choice ensures stakeholders’ involvement in enhancing the conditions of persons deprived of their liberty. The CNDH/NPM considers partnership, participation and cooperation as strategic principles to enhance the NPM’s effectiveness.

NPM Coordinator also shed light on the partnership agreement signed between the CNDH and the General Directorate of National Security (known under its French acronym DGSN), on 14 September 2022. He noted that the response rate to the NPM recommendations/proposals ranges from 67% to 95%, focusing on projects to rehabilitate places of custody, scaling up the implementation of recommendations, and including torture prevention and ill-treatment in security personnel training.
 

NPM Coordinator highlighted the International Symposium held on 23 and 24 June 2023, in Marrakech, Morocco, leading to the establishment of the African Network of NPMs. It also culminated in ongoing cooperation with the Subcommittee on the Prevention of Torture (SPT), the joint project with the European Union to strengthen NPM capacities and the partnership with the Danish Institute Against Torture (DIGNITY).

More than 300 participants representing NHRIs, United Nations experts and agencies, NGOs, international experts and jurists participated in the 14th International Conference of NHRIs held from 6 to 8 November 2023, in Copenhagen, Denmark.