CAT/OP/KGZ/1 I. Introduction 1. In accordance with articles 1 and 11 of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OPCAT), the Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (SPT) carried out its first regular visit to Kyrgyzstan from 19 to 28 September 2012.1 2. The SPT was represented by the following members: Mr. Arman Danielyan (Head of Delegation), Ms. Suzanne Jabbour (Vice-Chair of the SPT), Mr. Goran Klemencic, Mr. Christian Pross and Mr. Felipe Villavicencio Terreros. 3. The SPT was assisted by five staff members from the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), including one security officer. In addition, the SPT was assisted by one officer from the United Nations Department of Safety and Security and five interpreters. 4. The SPT conducted 21 visits to a number of places of deprivation of liberty, including temporary and pre-trial detention facilities, prison colonies, children institutions and psychiatric and psycho-neurological institutions in the cities of Bishkek and Osh and in the Provinces of Chuy, Osh and Jalal-Abad (see Annex I). In addition, the SPT held meetings with the relevant authorities of Kyrgyzstan as well as with members of civil society, United Nations agencies and international organizations (see Annex II). The SPT wishes to thank them for the valuable information provided. 5. At the conclusion of the visit, the SPT presented its confidential preliminary observations orally to the authorities of Kyrgyzstan.2 Written comments from the authorities of Kyrgyzstan were received on 12 December 2012. In the present report, the SPT presents its findings and recommendations concerning the prevention of torture and illtreatment of persons deprived of their liberty in Kyrgyzstan. This report uses the generic term “ill-treatment” to refer to any form of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment3. 6. The SPT requests the authorities of Kyrgyzstan to provide it with a Reply within six months from the date of transmission of this report, giving a full account of the State Party’s actions taken to implement the recommendations. 7. The present report will remain confidential until such time as the authorities of Kyrgyzstan decide to make it public, as stipulated in OPCAT article 16(2). The SPT draws the State Party’s attention to the Special Fund established in accordance with article 26 of OPCAT, as recommendations contained in public SPT visit reports can form the basis of an application for funding of specific projects under the Special Fund. 8. The SPT recommends that Kyrgyzstan requests the publication of the present report in accordance with OPCAT article 16(2). 1 2 3 The SPT was established following the entry into force of the OPCAT. For more information about the SPT, please consult the webpage: http://www2.ohchr.org/english/bodies/cat/opcat/index.htm. The preliminary observations were transmitted to the State Party in writing on 19 October 2012. In accordance with article 16 of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. 3