Held under the theme, “Women and Children in Detention: Gender-Responsive and Child-Sensitive NPM Approaches,” the Conference will bring together representatives of National Preventive Mechanisms, National Human Rights Institutions, government agencies, international organizations, development partners, and civil society organizations from across Africa and beyond to discuss strategies for strengthening the protection of women and children deprived of their liberty.

It will focus on strengthening cooperation among African countries, promoting experience-sharing and advancing best practices in preventing torture and degrading treatment in detention facilities.

A key focus of the conference will be the protection of women and children in detention, who are often considered more vulnerable and in need of special safeguards.

Participants are expected to discuss the specific challenges faced by women and children in detention, share lessons from ongoing initiatives, and explore practical approaches to improving their protection and welfare.

NCHR Chairperson Providence Umurungi said the conference will bring together institutions responsible for preventing torture and other forms of abuse in detention settings across the continent.

She noted that the gathering offers an important opportunity to strengthen collaboration and exchange practical experience among participating countries.

The conference will also serve as a platform to improve oversight mechanisms in detention facilities and reinforce joint efforts to eliminate torture and other forms of ill-treatment, in line with international and regional human rights standards.

The conference is expected to produce recommendations aimed at strengthening cooperation among African countries and improving the protection of women and children in detention.