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Municipalities urged to prioritise damaged infrastructure

Location: News

Municipalities urged to prioritise damaged infrastructure

Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister, Sello Seitlholo, has called on municipalities with dysfunctional wastewater treatment works (WWTW) to prioritise infrastructure as a matter of urgency.

Seitlholo made the call during his visit to uMhlathuzana, Umhlanga and Phoenix Wastewater Treatment Works in the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal.

Seitlholo visited the wastewater treatment works on Wednesday to assess progress made to repair infrastructure damaged by floods over two years ago.

EThekwini Municipality entered into a bulk wastewater operation and maintenance contract with uMngeni-uThukela Water and as part of the agreement, the water board is responsible for the operation and maintenance of 10 of the municipality’s wastewater treatment works.

The WWTWs included in the contract account for 90% of the sewage managed by the municipality.

During the visit, Seitlholo said it was good to see that eThekwini Municipality has realised that through working with uMngeni-uThukela Water, they will be able to resuscitate, operate and maintain their infrastructure.

“While the infrastructure itself is not 100% operational, I am happy that uMngeni-uThukela Water, as part of their Service Level Agreement (SLA) with eThekwini Municipality, has been able to begin the work, particularly in Umhlanga, where 50% of the plant is operational after it was completely decommissioned after the floods,” Seitlholo said.

The Deputy Minister said during the engagements with both the municipality and the water board in eThekwini, he picked up huge concerns regarding the country’s sanitation.

He said sanitation is not being "taken seriously", particularly in the context of wastewater resources.

Seitlholo urged South Africans to realise that the country’s water security is hampered by the pollution happening in water resources.

“We cannot have quality raw water abstracted from our rivers that are deeply polluted because the value chain suggests that the more polluted the raw water, the more it costs to treat it. 

"We have to be able to be conscious about this reality, its economic impact and the damage this has on the livelihoods of the people, farmers and businesses.

“I’m making a call to all South Africans that pollution has to come to an end. Municipalities with dysfunctional wastewater treatment works must prioritise their infrastructure as a matter of urgency,” Seitlholo said.

The Deputy Minister said he will continue to raise awareness in all provinces and ensure that everyone takes responsibility and stops pollution. – SAnews.gov.za
 

GabiK
Thu, 11/07/2024 - 14:27

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Read moreMunicipalities urged to prioritise damaged infrastructure

Department of Social Development to launch Social Security Review publication

Location: News

Department of Social Development to launch Social Security Review publication

The Department of Social Development, in collaboration with the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), will on Monday officially launch the Social Security Review Volume 2 publication in Cape Town under the theme: “Social Security in the time of COVID-19”.

First published at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2022, the Social Security Review is a publication that presents in-depth discussions and comparative critical analysis of topical questions and studies of national social security systems and international trends in policy and administration.

The articles are authored by social security experts and peer-reviewed, making the Social Security Review a must-read and must-have publication for policy advocates, researchers, policy makers, civil society, academia and practitioners in the field of social security.

Through this publication, the department said it seeks to generate new knowledge, information and critical analysis to ensure evidence-based decision and policy making in the field of social security.

At the onset of COVID-19 which resulted in national lockdowns across the globe, governments including South Africa introduced a variety of social protection measures to save lives, protect incomes, jobs and livelihoods. 

The department said the COVID-19 pandemic underlined the importance of social protection, not just as a fundamental human right, but also as a social, economic and political stabiliser in times of national and global crises.

“The Social Security Review Volume 2 provides a critical analysis of some of the social protection measures introduced as part of the national response to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well recommendations on how South Africa can build on these towards the realisation of the comprehensive social security system envisioned in the National Development Plan (Vision 2030),” said the department. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Edwin
Sun, 10/27/2024 - 09:02

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How Can I Republish Content From the MyPR Press Release Site Quickly and Automatically?

Location: MyPR

The sheer avalanche of news these days means that publishers often miss releases from trusted sources. MyPR offers a number of ways in which publishers can republish content posted on MyPR. From individual articles to every single one, to articles by location, category or author. Using freely available tools the savvy publisher can save time …

Read moreHow Can I Republish Content From the MyPR Press Release Site Quickly and Automatically?

President Ramaphosa to lead homecoming ceremony for struggle heroes

Location: News

President Ramaphosa to lead homecoming ceremony for struggle heroes

President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to officiate the repatriation and restitution homecoming ceremony for the remains of South African freedom fighters, who lost their lives in Zambia and Zimbabwe during the apartheid era.

The ceremony is expected to be held at the Freedom Park Heritage Site and Museum in Tshwane on Friday. 

“Ahead of addressing the homecoming ceremony on Friday… President Ramaphosa will lead a wreath-laying procession at the Wall of Names.

“The Wall of Names is inscribed with the names of heroes and heroines, who died fighting for humanity and freedom during the major conflicts in South African history, namely: the Pre-Colonial Wars, Slavery, Genocide, Wars of Resistance, the South African War, the First and Second World War and the Struggle for Liberation,” the Presidency said in a statement on Wednesday.

The repatriation and restitution homecoming ceremony forms part of Heritage Month, observed under the theme: “Celebrating the Lives of Our Heroes and Heroines Who Laid Down Their Lives for Our Freedom”.

On Wednesday, the South African government received the remains of 49 liberation fighters at Waterkloof Airforce Base in the presence of their families.

The Presidency explained that the repatriation formed part of the Resistance and Liberation Heritage Route Project (RLHR).

“The RLHR is a national memory project aimed at commemorating, celebrating, educating, promoting, preserving, conserving and providing a durable testament of South Africa’s road to freedom.

“The repatriation initiative is part of a broader effort to bring the remains of freedom fighters, who died in exile, to their final resting places. 

“This is not only a gesture of honour to the individuals and their families but also an effort to strengthen the bonds of friendship, solidarity, and development with the host countries through memorialisation,” the statement read. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Thu, 09/26/2024 - 10:21

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Read morePresident Ramaphosa to lead homecoming ceremony for struggle heroes

TNPA invites service providers for Liquefied Natural Gas at Ngqura

Location: News

TNPA invites service providers for Liquefied Natural Gas at Ngqura

The Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA), in collaboration with Infrastructure South Africa (ISA) and the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), has approached the market for an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

This is to encourage interested parties to submit proposals for the envisaged Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) terminal at the Port of Ngqura.

READ | Port investments to contribute towards SA economy

The Request For Proposals (RFP) process will see the appointment of a service provider contracted to assess the environmental compliance and sustainability of the proposed LNG terminal. 

This involves conducting a detailed analysis of ecological and local regulations to determine critical environmental authorisations. These include a seismic survey, marine ecology, climate change impact assessment and socio-economic assessment to support the project.

The EIA process is carried out in tandem with negotiations of the Terminal Operator Agreement (TOA) between TNPA and the Strategic Fuel Fund (SFF) to build and operate an onshore LNG regasification facility at the Port of Ngqura for 30 years. 

The appointment of SFF is the outcome of a Section 79 process and directive issued by the former Minister of Transport, in accordance with the National Ports Act of 2005.

“This milestone is a critical step towards the development of the LNG terminal at the Port of Ngqura. Through its commercial seaports, TNPA is at the forefront of enabling the gas-to-power project pipeline whilst ensuring the security of supply and unlocking global opportunities for sustainable impact,” said Acting TNPA Chief Executive, Phyllis Difeto.

The Port of Ngqura LNG Terminal is one of 12 priority infrastructure projects announced in March 2024 that hold a Strategic Integrated Project (SIP) status. 

The triad strategic partnership is fast-tracking the conclusion of the EAI, with the RFP closing on 30 October 2024. This partnership will also see the issuing of the RFP for Prefeasibility Studies by end September 2024.

“ISA is established to provide strategic, technical and financial advisory support to project sponsors for the planning, preparation, development and implementation of national pipeline projects and strategic integrated projects,” said Mameetse Masemola, the Acting Head of Infrastructure South Africa. 

“This project is one of the flagship projects which we are proud to support and excited that progress is moving at a good pace,” he said.

Tender documents can be accessed on: https://www.idc.co.za/tenders/ and https://www.etenders.gov.za/ - SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Wed, 09/25/2024 - 11:28

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Read moreTNPA invites service providers for Liquefied Natural Gas at Ngqura

Tourism sector encouraged to unite to grow

Location: News

Tourism sector encouraged to unite to grow

Tourism Deputy Minister Maggie Sotyu says it is important for the tourism sector to stand together, united by the common goal of growing an inclusive sector.

“We have over 300 delegates representing the sector, which is testimony of our success in working together to fully recover from COVID-19 shocks and further grow the tourism sector,” Sotyu said.

Addressing the Tourism Leadership Conference taking place in Sun City, North West province, on Thursday, Sotyu applauded the tourism sector for its resilience and perseverance since the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are here to not just reflect on the past but also to look forward, charting a course for the future of the tourism sector,” she said.

Sotyu said by continuing to adapt and finding ways to maintain operations, the tourism sector played a vital role in supporting local economies and communities.

“While we are here to understand the business landscape and plan together for a prosperous sector ahead, let us acknowledge our achievements that materialised since the last conference.

“I want to emphasise that the tourism sector is a crucial economic sector for our country. Another notable achievement is that we are on our way to achieve our collective target of 2019 international arrivals by 2024, and we must build on this to achieve our National Development Plan (NDP) revised target of 15.1 million tourists by 2030.    

“Also pleasing is that we have fully recovered on the domestic tourism front, and now need to consolidate on the gains and go beyond just travel,” Sotyu said.

She commended the tourism sector for their participation in the sho’t left campaign in their numbers.

READ | Township and village tourism have a lot to offer

“The listing of your products and the all-important discounts on the sho’t left website is much appreciated. However, we need more in the future campaigns,” said Sotyu.

In September 2023, the Tourism Minister released the green paper on tourism for public comment, and over 3 500 submissions were made to the department, which were all considered and the white paper is currently under consideration by Cabinet.

Cabinet has also approved the Tourism Sector Master Plan and extended its implementation until 2026.

Sotyu explained that the reason for the extension was based on the fact that the sector has not fully recovered from the COVID-19 impact and that more still needs to be done, such as increase aviation capacity and improve visa facilitation for large markets, especially India and China.

“The gazetting of the white paper for implementation will improve the enabling regulatory environment. I would like to indicate that the implementation of the Tourism Master Plan is well underway, and the tourism stakeholders are holding each other accountable through the Master Plan structures,” she said.

Sotyu said the department had partnered with the sector and developed the Tourism Crisis Management Strategy to build the resilience of the sector. 

“If anything, COVID-19 taught us to anticipate any scenario. The strategy aims to ensure that the sector is able to mitigate and respond to and manage crisis as and when such occurs,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Thu, 09/19/2024 - 12:41

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Read moreTourism sector encouraged to unite to grow

Harnessing “People Also Ask” for Innovative Blog Ideas

Location: MyPR

In the vast and ever-expanding digital landscape, bloggers are constantly on the hunt for fresh, engaging content that resonates with their audience. Google’s “People Also Ask” (PAA) feature has emerged as a crucial tool for uncovering the queries and concerns of internet users, providing a goldmine of ideas for content creators. This article explores how …

Read moreHarnessing “People Also Ask” for Innovative Blog Ideas

NEW CoreLife Medical Launches Website Serves Customers’ Oxygen Therapy Needs

Location: MyPR

Johannesburg, South Africa – July 10, 2024 – CoreLife Medical, a leading provider of medical oxygen solutions, is excited to announce the launch of its newly designed website. The revamped online platform offers an enhanced user experience and streamlined access to a comprehensive range of oxygen concentrators, cylinders, and accessories. The new website reflects CoreLife …

Read moreNEW CoreLife Medical Launches Website Serves Customers’ Oxygen Therapy Needs

Fourteen in hot water over irregular issuing of driver’s licenses

Location: News

Fourteen in hot water over irregular issuing of driver’s licenses

Fourteen traffic officials, including traffic officers and a driving school operator, have been arrested on charges of fraud and corruption relating to the irregular issuing of driver’s licenses and solicitation gratification.

“The investigations started in 2021 where it is alleged that driving school owners in Sabie colluded with departmental officials in issuing learners’ licenses and drivers’ licenses to applicants without following normal processes of conducting routine tests and assisting applicants to write learners licenses,” the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) said on Monday.

Drivers’ licenses were allegedly issued to applicants without being tested after paying exorbitant amount of cash.

The suspects aged between 34 and 59 years were arrested in a joint operation by the Road Traffic Management’s Anti-Corruption Unit (NTACU), the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) and Police Crime Intelligence in Mpumalanga.

“A male and female examiner of licences, together with a driving school operator, were arrested at [the] Sabie driving licence testing centre (DLTC) while four examiners of driving licences were nabbed at Lydenberg DLTC, including two examiners in Graskop DLTC.

“The arrests followed extensive investigations involving the RTMC Anti-Corruption Unit, the Hawks, and Crime Intelligence. The suspects are expected to face charges of fraud, corruption and contravention of the National Road Traffic Act,” the RTMC said.

Meanwhile, four traffic officers in Verena were also arrested for soliciting bribes from motorists who broke the rules of the road, in excessive speed and other related road traffic offences.

They were arrested as part of Operation “Kwanele” in Mpumalanga to clean up fraud and corruption at the DLTCs.

“Members of the public who obtain licences through corrupt means pose a danger to other motorists. Members of the public are encouraged to desist from these corrupt activities. Law enforcement officials will not rest until corrupt elements are eroded from the system,” said the RTMC. -SAnews.gov.za
 

nosihle
Tue, 09/17/2024 - 10:00

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SA economy grows by 0.4%

Location: News

SA economy grows by 0.4%

South Africa’s Growth Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 0.4% in the second quarter of 2024 with finance, real estate and the business services industry contributing most to the growth.

This is according to Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) which released the GDP results on Tuesday.

“The finance, real estate and business services industry increased by 1.3%, contributing 0.3 of a percentage point to the GDP growth. Increased economic activities were reported for financial intermediation, auxiliary activities, real estate activities and other business services.

“The trade, catering and accommodation industry increased by 1.2%, contributing 0.1 of a percentage point. Increased economic activities were reported for wholesale trade, retail trade and accommodation,” Stats SA said.
According to the institution, manufacturing increased by some 1.1%, “contributing 0.1 of a percentage point”.

“Six of the ten manufacturing divisions reported positive growth rates in the second quarter. The following divisions made the largest positive contributions: motor vehicles, parts and accessories and other transport equipment; food and beverages; and basic iron and steel, non-ferrous metal products, metal products and machinery.

“The electricity, gas and water industry increased by 3.1%, contributing 0.1 of a percentage point. This was largely due to increases in electricity production and consumption, as well as water consumption,” Stats SA explained.

Decreases in transport, storage and communication contributed a -0.2% of a percentage point.

“Decreased economic activities were reported for land transport and transport support services.
“The agriculture, forestry and fishing industry decreased by 2.1%, contributing -0.1 of a percentage point. This was primarily due to decreased economic activities reported for field crops and animal products,” the institution added.

In terms of expenditure on GDP, Stats SA reported that expenditure on GDP grew by 0.5% during 2024’s second quarter after a decrease of some 0.1% in the first quarter.

“Household final consumption expenditure [HFCE] increased by 1.4%, contributing 0.9 of a percentage point to the total growth. The highest growth rates were reported for services and semi-durable goods."

The main positive contributors to the increase in HFCE were expenditures on the ‘other’ category (4.5% and contributing 0.6 of a percentage point), clothing and footwear (3.2% and contributing 0.2 of a percentage point) and food and non-alcoholic beverages (1.2% and contributing 0.2 of a percentage point).

“Final consumption expenditure by general government increased by 1.0%, contributing 0.2 of a percentage point. This was mainly driven by increases in purchases of goods and services and compensation of employees,” Stats SA explained.

A decrease in exports out of South Africa was also noted.

“Net exports contributed negatively to expenditure on GDP. Exports of goods and services decreased by 0.4%, largely influenced by decreased trade in vegetable products; mineral products; vehicles and transport equipment excluding large aircraft; and base metals and articles of base metals.

“Imports of goods and services increased by 1.7%, largely influenced by increased trade in vehicles and transport equipment excluding large aircraft; vegetable products; mineral products; and textiles and textile articles,” Stats SA said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Tue, 09/03/2024 - 12:06

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Read moreSA economy grows by 0.4%

Enhancing Local Government Service Delivery in the South African Context

Location: MyPR

By Dr Daniel Govender (Academic Head- School of Law and Administration at Regent Business School) Local government in South Africa suffers from challenges such as bureaucratic inefficiencies, lack of resources, and widespread corruption, which together often hinder local government’s ability to meet the dire needs of the community effectively. Regent Business School’s Academic Head of …

Read moreEnhancing Local Government Service Delivery in the South African Context

Special ConCourt sitting for Chief Justice Zondo

Location: News

Special ConCourt sitting for Chief Justice Zondo

The Constitutional Court is expected to hold a special ceremonial sitting for outgoing Chief Justice Raymond Zondo on Wednesday morning.

Chief Justice Zondo is expected to leave the bench at the end of August following 27 years of service to the judiciary.

He will hand down his final judgement on the day.

“Deputy Chief Justice Mandisa Maya, Justices of the Constitutional Court, Judicial Officers as well as representatives of the Executive, Parliament and the legal profession will participate in this event,” the Office of the Chief Justice (OCJ) said in a statement.

Long serving

Chief Justice Zondo’s foray into practicing law began when he served articles under anti-Apartheid activist Victoria Mxenge before her assassination at the hands of Apartheid South Africa operatives.

Following that, he was a practising attorney in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, before his first approach to the bench just three years after the dawn of democracy.

“Justice Zondo…was appointed as a Judge of the Labour Court in 1997. In April 1999 he was appointed as a Judge of the then Transvaal Provincial Division of the High Court. He served for close to eleven years as Judge-President of the Labour Appeal Court and Labour Court. His ten-year term of office as Judge-President ended in April 2010,” the OCJ said.

Following 15 years on the lower benches, Chief Justice Zondo was then appointed as a Constitutional Court Justice in 2012.

“In June 2017 he was appointed as Deputy Chief Justice of the Republic of South Africa. In January 2018 he was appointed as the Chairperson of the State Capture Commission, also known as the Zondo Commission. 

“With effect from 1 April 2022 he was appointed as the Chief Justice of the Republic. For the past two and a half years he has led the Judiciary of this country with great success. His term of office comes to an end on 31 August 2024,” the statement said. 

READ | President Ramaphosa to attend farewell dinner in honour of Chief Justice Zondo
– SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Tue, 08/20/2024 - 10:47

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The Importance of Regular Website Updates for Small Business Success

Location: MyPR

PRETORIA, South Africa – Keeping a business website updated is a critical yet often overlooked aspect of maintaining a strong online presence. Click Results, a leading digital marketing firm based in Pretoria, emphasizes the importance of regular website updates for small business owners who want to remain competitive in today’s digital marketplace. One of the …

Read moreThe Importance of Regular Website Updates for Small Business Success

CoreLife Medical Launches New Website to Better Serve Customers’ Oxygen Therapy Needs

Location: MyPR

Johannesburg, South Africa – July 10, 2024 – CoreLife Medical, a leading provider of medical oxygen solutions, is excited to announce the launch of its newly designed website. The revamped online platform offers an enhanced user experience and streamlined access to a comprehensive range of oxygen concentrators, cylinders, and accessories. The new website reflects CoreLife …

Read moreCoreLife Medical Launches New Website to Better Serve Customers’ Oxygen Therapy Needs

Chair of the Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture Presents Annual Report to the Committee against Torture

Location: News

Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
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The Chair of the Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture this morning presented the Subcommittee's seventeenth annual report to the Committee against Torture.

Suzanne Jabbour, Chairperson of the Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture, said that in 2023, the landscape within which the Subcommittee and the Committee operated had been significantly shaped by conflict, yet the commitment to the prevention of torture remained resolute. In 2023, the Subcommittee conducted eight official visits to the Philippines, Georgia, Guatemala, State of Palestine, Croatia, Madagascar, Kazakhstan and South Africa.

In 2024, the Subcommittee had already conducted visits to Gabon, Albania, Honduras and Mongolia, and planned to extend its efforts to Bolivia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Greece and Nigeria throughout the rest of the year. Despite these efforts, the Subcommittee faced notable operational challenges, primarily stemming from resource limitations, as well as the prevailing liquidity crisis at the United Nations. The exchange of information between the Subcommittee and the Committee was a vital lifeline that enhanced operational efficiency.

In the ensuing discussion, Committee Experts asked about the impact of states of emergency and armed conflict on the work of the Committee, as well as how to encourage States to commit themselves to the principle of transparency.

The Committee against Torture will next meet in public this afternoon on Tuesday, 23 July at 4 p.m., for a follow-up discussion on articles 19 and 22 and on reprisals.

Statement by the Chair of the Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture

SUZANNE JABBOUR, Chairperson of the Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture, said the session this year took place in a year of special significance, the celebration of the fortieth anniversary of the Convention against Torture. In 2023, the landscape within which the Subcommittee and the Committee operated had been significantly shaped by conflict, yet the commitment to the prevention of torture remained resolute. Throughout the year, the Subcommittee had expanded its reach within the framework of the Optional Protocol to the Convention, with the accession of Côte d'Ivoire and the ratification by Slovakia, increasing the number of States parties to 93.

In 2023, the Subcommittee conducted eight official visits to the Philippines, Georgia, Guatemala, State of Palestine, Croatia, Madagascar, Kazakhstan and South Africa. These missions allowed the Subcommittee to identify repetitive issues and advocate for necessary reforms, including the establishment of national preventive mechanisms, actions to reduce prison overcrowding, and the modernisation of prison systems. In 2024, the Subcommittee had already conducted visits to Gabon, Albania, Honduras and Mongolia, and planned to extend its efforts to Bolivia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Greece and Nigeria throughout the rest of the year.

During its visits in 2023, the Subcommittee had conducted more than 1,100 interviews with more than 3,500 persons, including detainees, officials, law enforcement personnel, and medical staff. The Subcommittee's approach was informed by the particular cultural, socio-economic, and institutional contexts of each country, enabling the Subcommittee to tailor advice to the different authorities. Despite these efforts, the Subcommittee had faced notable operational challenges, primarily stemming from resource limitations, as well as the prevailing liquidity crisis at the United Nations. Ms. Jabbour was pleased to have been informed that the Subcommittee would be able to proceed with planned missions to Nigeria, Democratic Republic of the Congo and Greece, as well as their third session.

Although not without challenges, the Subcommittee's visits yielded promising direct outcomes. During the recent visit to Honduras, the Subcommittee witnessed deeply troubling conditions in places of deprivation of liberty. While, the outlook was challenging, the Subcommittee's presence acted as a catalyst, possibly accelerating the appointment of the remaining commissioners of the national preventive mechanism. To provide comprehensive insights into the operational challenges, this year's report included annexes that addressed specific inquiries raised by national preventive mechanisms.

The Subcommittee continued to foster relationships with various United Nations bodies, regional organizations, and civil society stakeholders to bolster efforts in torture prevention. Notably, collaboration extended to the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions during the International Conference on the Prevention of Torture held in Copenhagen. The publication of the Subcommittee's general comment no.1 on article 4 of the Optional Protocol to the Convention, adopted during their June session, would provide much-needed clarity to ensure comprehensive access for monitoring bodies, including national preventive mechanisms, in gaining access to places of deprivation of liberty.

The exchange of information between the Subcommittee and the Committee was a vital lifeline that enhanced operational efficiency. This synergy was further magnified by the Committee's role in advocating for the ratification of the Optional Protocol and the establishment of national preventive mechanisms by States. The expected adoption of the resolution by the Chairs of the treaty bodies this December to endorse the strengthening process would highlight the shared leadership between the Committee and the Subcommittee. Ms. Jabbour reasserted the Subcommittee's dedication to this cooperation and to the common goal, to prevent, and ultimately end, the use of torture and all forms of ill treatment.

Questions by Committee Experts

A Committee Expert said the Committee noted with appreciation the report of the Subcommittee and the publication of the general comment, clarifying the concept of places of deprivation of liberty. Effective coordination between the Committee and the Subcommittee was of vital importance. Transparency constituted a measure to prevent the risk of torture. The report indicated that by the end of 2023, 52 of the 82 visit reports had been made public, a total of 63 per cent. It was important to continue efforts to remain seized of this matter. Did the Subcommittee have further guidance to enhance commitments of States parties to upscale their efforts to commit themselves to the principle of transparency?

CLAUDE HELLER, Committee Chairperson, thanked Ms. Jabbour for presenting the report, which contained a great deal of substantive information. The report outlined the constraints being faced by the Committee and Subcommittee. The Committee and the Subcommittee played a pivotal role despite prevailing challenges. It was positive that the Subcommittee would be able to undertake a series of visits this year and hold their November session. This year, the Committee was commemorating the fortieth anniversary of the Convention. The issue of ratifications of the Optional Protocol should be highlighted. It was important that countries established national preventive mechanisms and facilitated visits to places of detention.

When the Subcommittee visited a State where there was a state of emergency in place, had they faced restrictions on their visits to places of detention? Many of the treaty bodies had been advocating for appropriate resources in light of the backlog of reports which needed to be reviewed by the Committees. How had this affected the Subcommittee with delays in conducting visits?

A Committee Expert said there were more than 100 armed conflicts in the world today. Could the Subcommittee work in the difficult circumstances of an armed conflict? Could they still undertake visits and visit detainees?

Responses by the Chair of the Subcommittee

SUZANNE JABBOUR, Chairperson of the Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture, said the work of the Subcommittee was built with the State on the principle of confidentiality. The presence of national preventive mechanisms could be a great added value to push for the publications of reports. The Subcommittee tried to have synergy with the national preventive mechanisms; they were their partners on the ground. Currently, States were less interested in human rights, particularly on issues relating to torture prevention. Other actors could also support the work of the Subcommittee, including the national human rights institutions.

The Subcommittee had faced the state of emergency issue in Palestine, where they had engaged with the authorities and the de-facto authorities. The Subcommittee had the obligation to respect how the United Nations engaged with de-facto authorities. Based on this, the Subcommittee failed to visit Gaza. The armed conflicts around the world put further responsibility on the Subcommittee. Because the Subcommittee had a proactive mandate, it believed that during armed conflicts, lifesaving actions were a priority, rather than preventive actions.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

Read moreChair of the Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture Presents Annual Report to the Committee against Torture