National Agency for the Prevention of Torture
The National Agency for the Prevention of Torture is the German national preventive mechanism according to Article 3 of the Additional Protocol to the UN Convention against Torture (OPCAT) . In accordance with the federal structure of the Federal Republic of Germany, it consists of a federal office with voluntary members and a country commission. She is supported by a full-time office that is affiliated with the Central Criminological Office in Wiesbaden .
task
The tasks and rights of the National Agency result from Articles 19 et seq. Of the OPCAT. First and foremost, she should regularly visit all places where people are or can be deprived of their liberty due to official or court orders or with their tolerance. On the basis of these visits, it is to make recommendations to the competent supervisory authorities with the aim of increasing the treatment of the persons housed there and in particular protection against torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. It should also take into account other relevant United Nations standards . It can also make suggestions and comments on existing laws and draft laws.
Federal agency
The Federal Agency for the Prevention of Torture was established on November 20, 2008 by the Federal Ministry of Justice . It consists of two honorary members. Their jurisdiction includes all places of deprivation of liberty within the federal jurisdiction. These are custody facilities of the federal police , customs and the armed forces . The Federal Agency also accompanies return flights organized by Germany and carried out by the Federal Police . This also includes European Frontex measures organized by Germany .
Joint Commission
The State Commission for the Prevention of Torture was founded by a state treaty dated June 25, 2009. It began its work on September 1, 2009 and is staffed by eight volunteer members. All places of deprivation of liberty for which the Länder are responsible fall under their jurisdiction; a total of around 11,000 facilities. These include the detention centers , nursing homes , homes for the disabled, offices of the state police , youth detention centers , prisons , child and youth homes , psychiatric hospitals and Vorführzellen in court .
Office
The Federal Office and the Joint Commission are supported by a full-time office based at the Central Criminological Office in Wiesbaden. The office prepares visits to the places of imprisonment before and after and conducts the other day-to-day business. It also follows developments in science, case law and legislation.
See also
Web links
ationale-stelle.de - Homepage of the National Agency for the Prevention of Torture