CJI attends OPCAT designated bodies launch

Deputy Chief Inspector Brendan McGuigan joined colleagues from across the United Kingdom in London for the formal launch of UK designated bodies for the National Preventative Mechanism (NPM) of OPCAT - the Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture.

Among the attendees from Northern Ireland who joined colleagues from Scotland, England and Wales were representatives of the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA), the Independent Monitoring Boards and the Northern Ireland Policing Board's Independent Custody Visiting Scheme.  Designated bodies are charged with carrying out a system of regular visits to places of detention tin order to prevent torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.  The launch, hosted by the Ministry of Justice, took place at the headquarters of the Home Office.