The role of independent detention monitoring in protecting human rights in prisons while preventing and countering violent extremism and radicalization to terrorism
When
Where
Organized by
On 15 July 2021, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), in collaboration with Penal Reform International (PRI), will hold a webinar to launch their new publication “Protecting Human Rights in Prisons while Preventing Radicalization Leading to Terrorism or Violence: A Guide for Detention Monitors”. The publication underlines the importance of independent detention monitoring and looks in detail at a number of specific human rights risk areas in preventing and countering violent extremism and radicalization that lead to terrorism (VERLT) in a prison context. For each of those risk areas, the guide highlights relevant issues for detention monitors to consider and assess in carrying out their work; and it discusses specific practical challenges that may arise when examining VERLT-related issues in detention monitoring.
Why is it important?
Preventing and countering VERLT is an area of increasing focus at the international, regional and national levels. This applies to the prison context due to fears that prisons could represent breeding grounds for VERLT. OSCE participating States have committed to respecting human rights in preventing and countering terrorism and VERLT.
Furthermore, a lack of respect for human rights has been recognized, within the OSCE and beyond, as a condition conducive to terrorism. Cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment and poor conditions of detention are among the factors that can contribute to VERLT in prisons. The need for a human rights-based approach to preventing and countering VERLT in prisons is thus fundamental; and the independent monitoring of all places of detention is a key safeguard against torture and other ill-treatment and human rights violations.
Programme
The webinar will consist of:
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a brief presentation of the new publication;
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a keynote address on the importance of independent detention monitoring for the protection of human rights while preventing and countering VERLT in prisons; and
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a moderated panel discussion with national and international experts and detention monitors. The panel discussion will provide space to address questions and comments from the audience.
The event will reflect on good practices to address key human rights challenges in the context of preventing and countering VERLT in prisons and seek to offer practical guidance for independent detention monitors.
Working language
Simultaneous interpretation between English and Russian will be provided.
Registration
This webinar is a public event. If you would like to participate, please register here by 14 July 2021.
Background and further information
The webinar and publication are based on an ODIHR and PRI partnership which seeks to promote monitoring of detention conditions and treatment of detainees in the context of preventing/countering VERLT in prisons.The event is part of ODIHR’s ongoing work on human rights and counter-terrorism and on torture prevention within the framework of a project to strengthen the protection of persons deprived of liberty in the OSCE region.
Questions related to the workshop can be directed to:
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Mr. Johannes Heiler, Adviser on Anti-Terrorism Issues (johannes.heiler@odihr.pl)
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Ms. Jennifer Roberts, Assistant Project Officer, Torture Prevention (jennifer.roberts@odihr.pl)