Background and justification:
The Committee for the Prevention of Torture in Africa (CPTA), was established by the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (African Commission)pursuant to its mandate under Articles 5 and 45 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights (African Charter) through the adoption of Resolution 61(XXXII) 02 on Guidelines and Measures for the Prohibition and Prevention of Torture, Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment in Africa (Robben Island Guidelines or RIG), in October 2002.
Formerly known as the Follow-up Committee on the Implementation of the Robben Island Guidelines, the CPTA was established as the special mechanism of the African Commission dedicated to addressing the issue of torture with the specific mandate of, among others, promoting and facilitating the effective implementation of the RIG within member States as well as developing and proposing to the African Commission strategies for the effective prohibition and prevention of torture in Africa
