The National Preventive Mechanism in Georgia: Experiences, Success Stories, and Challenges

This article examines the role of the National Preventive Mechanism in torture prevention from a practical point of view. Relying on the firsthand experience of the National Preventive Mechanism of Georgia, it provides practical insight into the wide-ranging issues relevant to the objective of minimizing risks of torture and ill-treatment in police custody. It attempts to explore to what extent the National Preventive Mechanism of Georgia has succeeded in lessening the likelihood of torture and ill-treatment occurring. The text presents the concept of prevention of torture and the interpretation of the mandate of the National Preventive Mechanism, which are not always correctly understood. It highlights two parallel processes of the National Preventive Mechanism maturing and developments taking place in the field of protection against torture and ill-treatment in Georgia, trying to outline causal links between these processes. It also provides a brief overview of challenges and possible solutions.