The role of advocacy in preventing torture in places of detention was discussed in Strasbourg

On December 18, an international colloquium was held in Strasbourg (France) dedicated to the role of advocacy in preventing torture, inhuman or degrading treatment in places of detention.

The event was attended by representatives of bar associations, bar self-government bodies, and experts. The Ukrainian National Bar Association was represented by Aram Asryan, a member of the Committee on international law.

The discussion took the form of thematic presentations, panel discussions, and exchanges of practical experience. Particular emphasis was placed on the right of the bâtonnier (head of the advocate association at the court) to visit places of detention as a preventive mechanism for the protection of human rights.

After all, advocacy performs a systemic function of protecting human rights and the rule of law, in particular through independent monitoring of the conditions of detention in places of deprivation of liberty. The right of visit by a representative of advocacy was considered by the participants of the colloquium to be an effective preventive tool for preventing torture and ill-treatment, complementing state and international control mechanisms.

Particular attention was paid to the importance of reports on the results of such visits. Their role as a means of recording violations, increasing the transparency of the activities of public authorities, and forming the basis for legal and legislative changes was discussed. It was also emphasized that the right of visit can only be exercised if advocacy is truly independent from the executive and law enforcement agencies.

Separate discussions were held on the legislative and practical limitations on the implementation of this mechanism in different countries, as well as the need to overcome them through reforms and international exchange of experience. Commenting on the topics of the colloquium, A. Asryan noted that in the context of the Russian Federation's armed aggression against Ukraine, the issues raised are particularly relevant.

«Ukrainian advocates work in conditions of massive human rights violations, in particular against persons deprived of liberty, prisoners of war, and civilians. Therefore, ensuring advocates' access to places of detention, documenting cases of ill-treatment, and complying with international humanitarian law are critically important tasks in wartime», - he said.