Phnom Penh: On the evening of Tuesday, October 3, 2023, H.E Sok Buntha, representative of H.E Chea Somethy, the Minister of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation, attended a pivotal conference. This conference aimed to evaluate the outcomes of the initial mandate and set future direction for the National Committee Against Torture. The event was presided over by His Excellency Sar Sokha, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, and was held at the Ministry of Interior.

During the conference, Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Sar Sokha emphasized the crucial need for the National Committee Against Torture to persistently monitor detention centers. This oversight is vital to gather information, ensure protection, and prevent instances of torture.

In his closing remarks at the conference assessing the first mandate and the future direction of the National Committee Against Torture, Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Sar Sokha encouraged the committee to maintain its efforts in educating and training detention facility authorities about international human rights standards. He also stressed the importance of regular inspections of detention centers to monitor the living conditions of detainees, furthering the goal of protection and torture prevention.

Furthermore, Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Sar Sokha recommended that the National Committee Against Torture continue advising its subordinates to investigate suspected cases of torture and carry out research as per their plans. However, he underscored the importance of ensuring that all investigators understand their roles and responsibilities, including the limits of their authority, to avoid undermining the authority of parties under investigation.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, H.E Sar Sokha, concluded by urging the committee to persist in its mission to monitor detention centers, ensuring the safety and well-being of detainees while preventing any form of torture.