Cape Town, South Africa. The Second African International Conference on National Preventive Mechanisms against Torture (NPMs), held on June 26 and 27, 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa, ratified the statute of a regional institutional framework that brings together National Human Rights Institutions (NHIRs) hosting NPMs and independent NPMs, aiming to prevent torture across the continent.
The conference underscores Africa’s commitment to eradicating torture, protect human dignity, and establish a united front against this practice.

 

Morocco: Headquarters of the Permanent Secretariat of the Prevention of Torture in Africa
In line with the aforementioned statute, African human rights defenders designated Rabat as the headquarters for the Permanent Secretariat of the Network of African NPMs. They entrusted the first two-years of its presidency, to the National Human Rights Council (CNDH) and the Vice-Chair of South African Human Rights Commission, both of whom played key roles in the network’s establishment.
The network aims to institutionalize efforts and build solid foundations and operational structures during its first mandate. It will facilitate joint actions, coordinate the activities of NPMs at the continental level, strengthen capacities, promote technical support, share best practices, and enhance the effectiveness of NPMs in Africa.

Amina Bouayach: Advocating for a Torture-Free Africa 
In her both opening and closing statements, Mrs. Amina Bouayach, CNDH Chairperson, welcomed the collective commitment of human rights defenders in Africa to prevent torture on the continent, highlighted during both the Cape Town conference and the historic 2023 meeting in Marrakech, which established the African Network of NPMs and resulted in the adoption of the Marrakech Constituent Declaration.
She emphasized that this initiative reflects a shared vision for a continent that respects the rights of every individual and protects their dignity. She also shed light on the significance of institutional and sustainable African-African cooperation in fostering a future where human rights and dignity are protected to an Africa free of torture.

Marrakech Declaration: Platform for the Prevention of Torture in Africa
In June 2023, the CNDH hosted the international conference titled “Practices of the NPMs in Africa: Challenges and Emerging Opportunities.”  This event culminated in the adoption of the Marrakech Declaration on the Prevention of torture in Africa, which called for the establishment of a Network of African NPMs. Mrs. Bouayach, called for its establishment in her opening statement at the first International African Conference.
The Marrakech Declaration signifies a strong collective commitment to preventing torture across the continent, facilitated through the actions of NHRIs that host NPMs as well as independent NPMs. The second conference held in South Africa featured an official ceremony for signing the Marrakech Declaration, reinforcing its role as the founding platform for the Network for the Prevention of Torture, which is led by NHRIs and NPMs throughout Africa.