As part of the study visit to the United Kingdom, the delegation from Tajikistan held a substantive meeting with representatives of the UK National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) and police oversight bodies.

The exchange provided detailed practical insights into the implementation of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture (OPCAT) and the functioning of independent preventive monitoring mechanisms in the UK.

Representatives shared their experience on:

• How oversight of places of detention is structured and coordinated across multiple institutions;

• The mandate, independence and operational framework of NPM members;

• Monitoring methodologies applied during visits to police custody and other places of deprivation of liberty;

• Engagement with law enforcement authorities and follow-up procedures;

• Translating international standards into practical monitoring tools and recommendations.

The discussion demonstrated how OPCAT is implemented in practice - as a preventive system grounded in independence, regular visits, constructive dialogue and evidence-based recommendations aimed at reducing the risk of torture and ill-treatment.

Given that Tajikistan is currently considering ratification of OPCAT, the meeting was particularly timely and relevant. It provided valuable insights into how international instruments such as OPCAT can be operationalised at national level, including institutional design, coordination mechanisms and safeguards to ensure credibility and effectiveness.

The study visit was organised jointly by the Centre for Development and Justice International (CDJI) and the World of Law, and implemented within the framework of a joint regional project funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (UK FCDO).