Monitoring places of detention

The Authority monitors conditions of detention and treatment of detainees in Police custody.

The Authority is one of several ‘national preventive mechanisms’ designated in 2007 under an amendment to the Crimes of Torture Act 1989.

As a national preventive mechanism, the Authority must:

• examine conditions of detention and treatment of detainees in Police custody
• make any recommendations it considers appropriate for improving conditions of detention and treatment of detainees, and for preventing torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment
• provide an annual report to the responsible Minister on its functions under the Act.

The Human Rights Commission has overall responsibility for coordinating New Zealand’s programme of monitoring and reporting on places of detention in compliance with the protocol.

This work helps New Zealand to fulfil its obligations under the Optional Protocol to the United Nations Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OPCAT).