NPM: National Human Rights Commission of Togo visits the AOB

On 25 September 2012, Ombudswoman Brinek met Me Koffi Sylvain Mensah Attoh, member of the National Human Rights Commission in Togo (Commission Nationale des Droits de l’Homme – CNDH).

As the CNDH was recently designated National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) in Togo the discussion focused on the experience of the Austrian Ombudsman Board (AOB), which operates as the Austrian NPM since 1 July 2012, regarding the implementation of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OPCAT). Ombudswoman Brinek informed about the extensive preparatory measure as well as the current NPM activities and explained the structure of the NPM in Austria comprising the Austrian Ombudsman Board, its expert Commissions and the Human Rights Advisory Council. Furthermore future opportunities of cooperation between the AOB and the CNDH were discussed.

“The AOB is very pleased with this valuable exchange of experience regarding the different circumstances and challenges when it comes to ensuring the protection and promotion of human rights” emphasizes Ombudswoman Brinek.