1. In October 2002, at its 32nd Ordinary Session, the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights (the Commission) adopted the Guidelines on the Prohibition and Prevention of Torture and Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment in Africa (the "Robben Island Guidelines"), with a view to guaranteeing the right of peoples to be free from torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment (ill-treatment), as enshrined in Article 5 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights (the African Charter).
2. Formerly known as the Follow-up Committee on the Implementation of the Robben Island Guidelines, the Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPTA) was established by the Commission at its 35th Ordinary Session in May 2004, and was tasked with promoting the implementation of the Robben Island Guidelines.
3. As set out in Resolution ACHPR/Res.61 (XXXII) 02 - Resolution on Guidelines and Measures for the Prohibition and Prevention of Torture and Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment in Africa, the mandate of the CPTA is as follows
• Organise seminars, with the support of interested partners, to disseminate the Robben Island Guidelines to national and regional stakeholders;
• Develop and propose to the Commission strategies for the promotion and implementation of the Robben Island Guidelines at national and regional levels;
• Promote and facilitate the implementation of the Robben Island Guidelines in States Parties; and
• Prepare a progress report for the African Commission at each Ordinary Session
4. To ensure the prohibition and prevention of torture and other ill-treatment on the continent, the CPTA works in collaboration with various stakeholders, including States Parties, National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs), international organisations, civil society organisations (CSOs), the Commission's Special Mechanisms and other relevant actors.
5. CPTA works to promote the implementation of the Robben Island Guidelines and other key instruments in respect of prevention and prohibition of torture, including the United Nations Convention against Torture (UNCAT) and the Optional Protocol to the UNCAT (OPCAT). It also seeks to establish effective National Preventive Mechanisms (NPMs) in African States in accordance with the OPCAT. It also seeks to establish effective NPMs in African States in accordance with the OPCAT.
6. The CPTA also conducts awareness-raising and capacity-building activities; initiates resolutions on Article 5 issues; publishes its annual report about torture and other ill-treatment in Africa, its annual thematic report on a specific Article 5 issue and its annual newsletter; and develops practical guidelines for the interpretation and development of various aspects of Article 5 with a view to assisting States Parties and relevant stakeholders.
7. In accordance with the Rules for the Establishment and Functioning of Special Mechanisms of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights, the CPTA is composed of Commissioner Members and Expert Members. In addition to their expertise, Members are selected by taking into consideration geographical, linguistic and gender representation. The term of office of CPTA members is two (2) years and is renewable two times.
8. In this regard, the CPTA hereby invites AU Member States, National Human Rights Institutions, non-governmental organisations, and other institutions to nominate candidates to fill the positions of three Expert Members. Qualified individuals are also encouraged to apply.
9. Applicants should have proven expertise and experience in the prevention and prohibition of torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment (other ill-treatment) in Africa, or in providing redress for victims of torture and other ill-treatment in Africa.
10. Only nationals of a State Party to the African Charter can be appointed as Expert Members.
11. Applications must be accompanied by a letter of motivation, a detailed curriculum vitae and any other relevant document. They must reach the Secretariat of the Commission by 15th September 2024at the latest to enable the Commission to appoint the new Expert Members of the CPTA at the 81st Ordinary Session of the Commission, the dates of which will be communicated in due course.
12. Applications should be sent by e-mail to au-banjul@africa-union.org and Sakrm@africa-union.org, or in hard copy to the following address
African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights
31 Bijilo Annex Layout, Kombo North District Western Region.
P. O. Box 673 Banjul
The Gambia
