News

Article 5 Initiative launched at old Breakwater Prison

On 13 December, following International Human Rights Day, the Article 5 Initiative (A5I) was launched at the Breakwater Lodge in Cape Town. The Article 5 Initiative aims to support African institutions to improve domestic compliance with international law obligations, norms and procedures under the United Nations Convention against Torture (UNCAT) and the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights (ACHPR).

Submission by CSPRI on torture in prisons to the Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services

On 30 November 2011, CSPRI’s Project Coordinator Lukas Muntingh presented a submission on the prevention and eradication of torture in South African prisons to the Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services (PCCS).

WaterAid launches handwashing project in Burkina prisons

The "Clean hands in prison" campaign is focused on raising awareness on the importance of washing hands, reducing the prevalence and transmission rates of diseases brought about by a lack of hygiene and sanitation in jails.

Up to 32 million Congolese are due to head to the polls on Monday 28 November after a weekend marked by deadly street clashes and allegations of cheating

On 14 November, CSPRI researcher, Gwénaëlle Dereymaeker, presented the CSPRI submission on the Implementation of the Geneva Conventions Bill B10-2011 before Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans.

Volcano threatens Goma prison

Africa's most active volcano, Nyamuragira, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, began erupting on the night of 6 November 2011.

Article 5 Initiative responded to the open call by the UN Committee against Torture to comment on the working document of the General Comment on Article 14 of the UN Convention against Torture.

CSPRI researcher, Gwénaëlle Dereymaeker, attended the 50th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights, which took place from 24 October to 7 November 2011 in Banjul, The Gambia.