ACHPR African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights
Panel Discussion:
The role of education and training in the prevention of torture, ill-treatment and violence in Africa
Organized by the Committee for the Prevention of Torture in Africa & DIGNITY 81st Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights
19th October 2024, ACHPR Main session
Background
Article 5 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights (African Charter) explicitly prohibits torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment (ill-treatment). However, the prevention of torture and ill-treatment, as well as violence, within communities requires concerted efforts by various state and non-state actors by means of legislative, administrative, judicial and other measures.
The 2024 Annual Theme for the African Union is: "Educating an African fit for the 21st Century: building resilient education systems for increased access to inclusive, lifelong, quality, and relevant learning in Africa".
This theme highlights the necessity of an education revolution on the continent, to achieve the goals of Agenda 2063. A key component of this revolution is the integration of human rights education and training, which is essential not only for the protection of individual rights but also for ensuring peace, security, and sustainable development.
Human rights education plays a crucial role in the long-term prevention of human rights abuses, including torture and ill-treatment. Civic education and awareness-raising on basic human rights are critical for creating informed citizens and strengthening the capacity of duty bearers. These efforts are relevant for both state actors (such as the educational sector, criminal justice sector) as well as for non-state actors (such as civil society organizations, professional organizations, youth groups etc.)
Since its establishment, the CPTA has been the principal actor on the continent working with a diverse range of stakeholders, including state parties, national human rights institutions (NHRIs) and national preventive mechanisms (NPMs), international organizations, civil society organizations, and others to ensure the prohibition and prevention of torture and ill-treatment in Africa. Through its ongoing engagement in educational and awareness-raising activities, the CPTA has extensive experience in promoting education as a key component of preventing torture, ill-treatment and violence in Africa.