On 22 October 2024, a project “Technical support for more effective and resilient National Preventive Mechanisms” was officially launched in Ireland. The project marks an opportunity for the country as it prepares to ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture (OPCAT) and establish a National Preventive Mechanism (NPM).
Ireland, one of the two beneficiaries of the project, is poised to make progress toward strengthening its oversight mechanisms for preventing torture and ill-treatment.
The launch event brought together over 60 stakeholders, including policymakers, representatives from state institutions and civil society, international experts, and a European Commission representative in Ireland. Participants engaged in discussions aimed at fostering collaboration, exchanging innovative ideas, and sharing promising practices to enhance the effectiveness of NPMs.
Mark Kelly, Chief Inspector of the Office of the Inspectorate of Prisons (OIP), opened the event by stressing the need for a coordinated approach in establishing Ireland's NPM. He emphasised that coherence among the various bodies which the OIP will cooperate , is essential, even before legislative measures are enacted, particularly as new police accountability legislation is expected to enter into force soon.
Florian Hauser, Deputy Head of Unit for Public Administration & Governance at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Structural Reform Support (DG REFORM), echoed this sentiment, advocating for a cohesive EU-wide approach to combatting ill-treatment, which would support member states in meeting their obligations under international human rights standards.
Tigran Karapetyan, Head of the Division of Transversal Challenges and Multilateral Projects at the Council of Europe, highlighted the timeliness and urgency of the project, noting its priority for all stakeholders, including the Council of Europe. He stressed the importance of engaging all relevant parties in the process.
The project, "Technical support for more effective and resilient National Preventive Mechanisms," was initiated on 12 September 2024. Co-funded by the European Union through the Technical Support Instrument and implemented by the Council of Europe in cooperation with the European Commission, the project supports Ireland and Cyprus in developing operational tools, raising awareness, and enhancing the capacity of NPMs. These efforts are essential for ensuring the protection of individuals deprived of liberty in accordance with international human rights standards. The project launch provided a valuable opportunity to strengthen cooperation between Ireland and Cyprus, setting the stage for future collaboration and joint efforts to improve detention oversight in both countries.