NPM: AOB and APT discuss new human rights mandate

On 10 September 2012 Chairwoman Terezija Stoisits and Ombudsman Peter Kostelka met with the Director of Operations of the Association for the Prevention of Torture, Barbara Bernath.

The discussion mainly focused on the Austrian NPM model and the new tasks the Austrian Ombudsman Board (AOB) has taken up in implementing the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OPCAT) on 1 July 2012.

The meeting presented an excellent opportunity to present the new mandate and to explain how the NPM in Austria comprising the Austrian Ombudsman Board, its expert Commissions and the Human Rights Advisory Council works.

The APT is an international non-governmental organisation dedicated to the prevention of torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. It is governed by an international Board of 18 experts from 11 countries that supervises, advises and participates in activities organised by the Secretariat in Geneva.