Senegal

GENEVA, 31 January 2025 / PRN Africa / -- The UN Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, Dr. Alice Jill Edwards, will conduct an official country visit to Senegal from 3 to 14 February.

The visit will focus on Senegal's efforts to prevent and combat torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, with a particular interest in the justice sector and prisons, law enforcement by the police and gendarmerie, including investigation practices and the use of force, the health sector and measures taken to prevent and eliminate female genital mutilation.

Edwards will meet with representatives of the Government, the judiciary, law enforcement authorities, national human rights institutions, civil society organisations, victims and survivors of torture, UN officials and other stakeholders. She will visit places of deprivation of liberty to inspect conditions and interview detainees.

Dr. Edwards will hold a press conference on 13 February, in Dakar, at 4:00 pm local time, within the premises of the Regional Office for West Africa of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (Parcelle n°20 opposite the Hôtel Azur, route du King Fahad Palace – room Capitaine Mbaye). Access will be strictly limited to journalists.

The Special Rapporteur will present a report to the UN Human Rights Council in March 2026.

SOURCE United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)