CAT/OP/ARM/1
authority or at its instigation or with its consent or acquiescence, as stated in article 4
of the OPCAT. In order to fulfil this obligation, the SPT recommends that this be
expressly included in the legislative basis for the NPM, and that the State maintain a
dialogue with different stakeholders in the field to identify and clarify the exact
meaning of the term “places of detention”, in full conformity with the OPCAT.
45.
The Subcommittee stands ready to assist the Republic of Armenia in fulfilling its
obligations under the OPCAT in particular Art. 11 (1 b)) to provide assistance and advise
on national preventive mechanisms.
IV. Final recommendations
46.
The SPT recalls that prevention of torture constitutes an on-going and wide-ranging
obligation of the State party. The SPT requests that the State Party keeps the SPT annually
informed of any legislative and policy changes and other relevant developments regarding
the NPM, in order that it might continue to assist the State Party in fulfilling its obligations
under the Optional Protocol.
47.
The SPT emphasizes that its visit provides Armenia with an ideal opportunity to
demonstrate its goodwill and readiness to fulfil its international obligations under the
Optional Protocol.
48.
The SPT regards its recent advisory visit and the present report as the
commencement of a constructive dialogue with Armenia. The SPT stands ready to assist
Armenia, as far as it is able, in fulfilling its obligations under the Optional Protocol, in
particular by the provision of technical assistance and advice, in order to achieve their
common goal of prevention of torture and ill-treatment in the places of deprivation of
liberty.
49.
The SPT recommends that the State Party make this report public, believing this in
itself to be a preventive measure. In addition, the SPT recommends that the State Party
distribute this report to all the relevant Government departments and institutions.
9