Ms. Amina Bouayach, Chairperson of the National Human Rights Council (CNDH), alongside members of the African Network of National Preventive Mechanisms against Torture (NPMs), inaugurated the permanent headquarters of the Network on 7 December 2024 at the CNDH in Rabat, Morocco.

The Network was established in 2023 as a joint initiative by the CNDH and the South African Human Rights Commission, on the side-lines of the international conference on “Practices of African NPMs: Exploring emerging Challenges and Opportunities,” held in Marrakech. At this event, Ms. Bouayach emphasized that the establishment of the Network is a strong commitment to working closely together to advance collective advocacy efforts and provide recommendations to African and United Nations human rights mechanisms.

Ms. Bouayach underscored that this initiative reflects a shared vision of a continent that respects the rights and dignity of every individual. She highlighted the importance of sustainable and institutional African cooperation, stating that such collaboration seeks to ensure a present and future where human rights and dignity are upheld in an Africa free from the crime of torture.

Following the inaugural session held in Marrakech in 2023, the second conference in Cape Town established the Office of the "Network of African NPMs." According to the final declaration of the Conference, the NPMs of Morocco, South Africa, Mauritania, Senegal, Cape Verde and Mozambique were also elected as the first members of the Supervisory Committee for a two-year term. This Committee will implement the strategic plans of the network.

The network is composed of full members, associate members and a Board comprising the Chair (CNDH Morocco), Vice-Chair (the Human Rights Commission of South Africa) and five NPMs representing the five African regions. 
The General Assembly, as the highest supervising body of the network, includes representatives from all NPMs member.