2022/23 Annual report of activities under the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture (OPCAT)

National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) agencies under the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment have a mandate to regularly and independently monitor places where people are deprived of their liberty, in order to prevent torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment (ill-treatment).

In Aotearoa New Zealand, the NPM involves five statutory bodies: the Chief Ombudsman, the Independent Police Conduct Authority, the Inspector of Service Penal Establishments and Mana Mokopuna - Children and Young People's Commission. Te Kāhui Tika Tangata | Human Rights Commission is Aotearoa New Zealand’s Central National Preventive Mechanism, which involves both a co-ordinating role and acting as a liaison with government and international monitoring bodies.

This report outlines the activities of the NPM during the reporting period 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2023.