Special Fund of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture

The Special Fund of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture presents a unique opportunity to further torture prevention. It supports projects implementing recommendations of the Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture (SPT) after a country visit. The Fund was established in 2011 pursuant to article 26 of the Optional Protocol to the UN Convention against Torture.

The Special Fund relies entirely on voluntary contributions. Contributing to the Fund helps to prevent torture through tailored action on the ground. The Fund accepts donations from governments, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations and other private or public entities.

Since 2012, projects supported by the Fund have contributed significantly to capacity-building for a wide range of key actors in torture prevention. Beneficiaries include more than 120 judges, 600 police officers, 60 health professionals, 178 prison staff, and 110 representatives of authorities and members of more than 15 civil society organizations. Fund projects have also created a variety of information materials to help those affected, including more than 25,000 booklets, 10,000 posters, 500 guides, 10,000 flyers and 1,000 manuals. Many of these items have been translated into minority or migrant workers languages, and distributed within places of detention, including in remote areas.

See the list of grants that have been awarded.

You may also view the reports of the Fund.

Call for applications:

• 2016
• 2015
• 2014
• 2013
• 2011-2012

For more information about the Fund, download the flyer.