Mandate

The Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman, Degrading Treatment or Punishment (SPT), in order to strengthen and facilitate the work of the Special Fund established by Article 26 of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman, Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OPCAT), decides to establish a Working Group composed of up to five of its members, representing all Regional Teams and the Bureau of the SPT.

The OPCAT Special Fund Working Group works under the guidance and within the framework of the SPT. Its mandate is to support and advise on the strategic directions of the OPCAT Special Fund and in the selection and impact assessment of projects, and to contribute to the fundraising for the OPCAT Special Fund.

The OHCHR Grants Committee will continue, with a leaner procedure, to be accountable and to ensure coherence with OHCHR's work as well as with the UN Rules and Regulations.

The Working Group will develop its Terms of Reference, including safeguards on independence and impartiality (conflict of interest) of its members in accordance with the Addis Ababa Guidelines (A/67/222), during its first meetings in June 2016.

Elements for the Terms of Reference may include the following:

• a) advise on the strategic directions of the OPCAT Special Fund and on its focus;
• b) design, with OHCHR, appropriate plans through which to achieve the strategic goals of the OPCAT Special Fund;
• c) provide guidance to OHCHR on the selection of projects to be support by the OSF;
• d) provide guidance to OHCHR on the impact of projects and make suggestions regarding their assessment and follow-up; and
• e) design, with OHCHR, contribute to and participate in fundraising strategies and activities for the OPCAT Special Fund.
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Mandate of the Working Group (PDF)

Terms of reference and working methods of SPT Working Group (PDF)