UN Condemns Abolition of Independent Torture Prevention Body
The United Nations Human Rights Chief, Volker Türk, issued a strong warning on September 24, 2025, stating that Kyrgyzstan's newly enacted law on torture prevention represents a serious step backward for human rights in the country. The legislation, signed by Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov on September 23, 2025, abolishes the independent National Centre for the Prevention of Torture (NCPT) and transfers its mandate to the Ombudsperson's Institute. Türk emphasized that this decision 'flies in the face of Kyrgyzstan's human rights obligations' and seriously undermines torture prevention efforts.
The National Centre for the Prevention of Torture: A Regional Model
The now-abolished NCPT was established in 2012 through national legislation, fulfilling Kyrgyzstan's commitments under the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture (OPCAT), which the country ratified in 2008. For over a decade, the NCPT had been widely recognized as a model for the Central Asia region, lauded as the only independent national human rights institution there that met international standards. Its work included crucial unannounced inspections of detention facilities, contributing significantly to preventing torture and ill-treatment.
Concerns Over the Ombudsperson's New Mandate
The transfer of the torture prevention mandate to the Ombudsperson's Institute has raised significant alarm within the international community. Both Türk and the UN Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture (SPT) have expressed concerns that the Ombudsperson's Institute is 'not yet fully independent' and falls short of meeting the Paris Principles, which govern the status of national human rights institutions. The SPT had previously voiced dismay on June 30, 2025, regarding the decision to dismantle the NCPT without public consultation or transparency. Critics highlight the lack of clear provisions for how the Ombudsperson's Institution will effectively carry out this specialized mandate.
Urgent Call for Independent Oversight
During his visit to Kyrgyzstan in March 2025, Türk had underscored the vital importance of preserving the NCPT's independence and ensuring it was well-resourced. In his latest statement, he urged Kyrgyz authorities to take urgent steps to ensure there is no interruption in torture prevention monitoring. He called for a new structure within the Ombudsperson's Institute that is 'functionally, operationally, and financially independent,' including through a sufficient, ring-fenced budget. Furthermore, Türk stressed the importance of involving civil society and independent experts in this process and in future preventive monitoring.
5 Comments
Muchacho
This is a disastrous move by Kyrgyzstan! Human rights are clearly under attack.
BuggaBoom
It's worrying to see an independent body dismantled, especially one praised regionally. However, if the Ombudsperson's Institute can genuinely establish a functionally independent unit with a ring-fenced budget, it might still serve the purpose.
Africa
The need for torture prevention is undeniable, and the NCPT was effective. Yet, if the Ombudsperson's Institute is strengthened significantly to meet international standards, this move could potentially be salvaged, though it's a huge risk.
Coccinella
Another blow to international human rights standards. So disappointing.
Muchacho
Maybe the Ombudsperson can do a better job. Let's see.