Meeting of States Parties
Fourteenth Meeting
Geneva, 1 October 2013
Item 5 of the provisional agenda
Election of five members of the Committee against Torture
to replace those whose terms of office will expire
on 31 December 2013, in accordance with article 17
of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment
Election of five members of the Committee to replace those whose terms expire on 31 December 2013
Note by the Secretary-General
1.In accordance with article 17, paragraphs 3 and 4, of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, the fourteenth Meeting of States Parties to the Convention will be convened by the Secretary-General at the United Nations Office at Geneva on Tuesday, 1 October 2013, to elect five members of the Committee against Torture to replace those whose terms of office are due to expire on 31 December 2013.
I.Members whose terms expire on 31 December 2013
2.The terms of the Committee members listed below expire on 31 December 2013.
Name of member |
Country of nationality |
Ms. Saadia Belmir |
Morocco |
Mr. Alessio Bruni |
Italy |
Mr. Fernando Mariño Menéndez |
Spain |
Ms. Nora Sveaass |
Norway |
Mr. Xuexian Wang |
China |
II.List of candidates nominated by States parties
3.In accordance with article 17, paragraph 4, of the Convention, the Secretary-General, in a note verbale dated 25 March 2013, invited the States parties to the Convention to submit their nominations for the election by 26 June 2013.
4.In compliance with the provisions of article 17, paragraph 4, of the Convention, the Secretary-General has the honour to list below, in alphabetical order, the names of candidates nominated by 26 June 2013 and the States parties which have nominated them. Biographical data on the candidates, as provided by the States parties concerned, are contained in the annexes to the present document.
Name of candidate |
Nominated by |
Ms. Violet Awori |
Kenya |
Mr. Andriy Bagrov |
Ukraine |
Ms. Saadia Belmir |
Morocco |
Mr. Alessio Bruni |
Italy |
Ms. Marija Definis Gojanović |
Croatia |
Mr. Gnambi Garba Kodjo |
Togo |
Mr. Jens Modvig |
Denmark |
Ms. Monalisa Noowe Kakano |
Uganda |
Ms. Ana Racu |
Republic of Moldova |
Ms. Kadidia Sangare |
Mali |
Mr. Bhogendra Sharma |
Nepal |
Mr. Kening Zhang |
China |
III.Members whose terms expire on 31 December 2015
5.The terms of the Committee members listed below expire on 31 December 2015.
Name |
Country of nationality |
Mr. Satyabhoosun Gupt Domah |
Mauritius |
Ms. Felice Gaer |
United States of America |
Mr. Abdoulaye Gaye |
Senegal |
Mr. Claudio Grossman |
Chile |
Mr. George Tugushi |
Georgia |
Annexes
Annex I
Violet Awori (Kenya)
Date and place of birth:19 July 1957, Nairobi, Kenya
Working language:English
Current position/function
I am the proprietor of my own legal firm where I am now mainly consulting in the area of human rights. Also a member (former chairperson) of the Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) which is a non-governmental organization comprised of women lawyers and dealing with human rights. I am also the vice chairperson of the board of directors of SMEP which is a micro finance organization that provides small and medium loans.
Main professional activities
As the immediate former Kenyan representative to the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) I have trained on this convention and on human rights to relevant government officers, members of the judiciary and civil society in various countries. I am now leaning towards international criminal justice as am currently pursuing a Master’s degree in this area and this is relevant to the work of the Committee against Torture. As a member of FIDA I am involved not only in providing awareness and training to women and other government officials but also lobby members of parliament for changes in laws relating to human and women’s rights.
Educational background
Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Nairobi, Kenya
Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law in Nairobi
Currently pursuing a Master in International Criminal Justice at the Open University of Tanzania at Arusha. I have completed the coursework and am working on my thesis
Other main activities in the field of human rights relevant to the mandate of the Committee against Torture
The master’s degree that I am working on is on international criminal justice and this is relevant to the mandate of the Committee. I have prepared and made a presentation on “Witness Protection” in Geneva in May 2011. I provided training on human rights to the Zimbabwe National Human Rights Commission in September 2011 at Harare. Later on in December 2011 when conducting a CEDAW mock session for the Zimbabwe government delegation, this included a general training on human rights for civil society organizations. I also provided training on human rights for the government delegation of Seychelles, members of the judiciary and civil society in December 2012.
List of most recent publications in this field
I have not published.
Annex II
Andriy Bagrov (Ukraine)
Date and place of birth:29 July 1979, Kyiv, Ukraine
Working languages:Russian, English, French, Ukrainian (mother tongue)
Current position/function
Lieutenant colonel, Senior intelligence officer of very important cases – Main Directorate for Combating Organized Crime, Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, main function – gathering intelligence information concerning organized crime (trafficking in human beings, crimes committed by prison service staff, illegal arms sale, etc.)
Main professional activities
Selection of sources that can provide an information about organized crime activities (trafficking in human beings organized by international criminal groups, crimes committed by prison service staff in order to achieve benefits, especially concerning prisoners tortures, illegal arms sale by members of international criminal groups, kidnapping, sale of children, etc.)
Analysis and verification of the information achieved by regional units about the mentioned organized crime activities, creating a secure environment while implementing the prevention of serious criminal acts, disclosing and investigating them, coordinating the investigations and promoting international cooperation
Educational background
Master’s degree, management in the field of rule of law – National University of Internal Affairs of Ukraine
Master’s degree in law – National University of “Kyiv-Mohyla Academy”
Certified specialist – course of protection of human rights in Kosovo (United Nations Mission in Kosovo)
Other main activities in the field of human rights relevant to the mandate of the Committee against Torture
Representative of Ukrainian Ministry of Internal Affairs (2004–2008) – United Nations Mission in Kosovo – one the main functions – Kosovo police compliance with human rights, prevention of Inhuman and Degrading treatment with arrested and prisoners
List of most recent publications in this field
“Combating human trafficking in Ukraine compare to European Union and United States” — master’s thesis — National University of “Kyiv-Mohyla Academy”
“Human tortures committed by prison service staff in Ukraine. Problems of proving” — master’s thesis — National University of Internal affairs of Ukraine
Annex III
Saadia Belmir (Morocco)
Date and place of birth:5 February 1944, Rabat, Morocco
Working languages:Arabic and French
Current position/function
Chamber President at the Supreme Court
Adviser at the central administration of the Ministry of Justice
Member of the National Human Rights Council
Member of the Higher Ulema Council of Morocco
Main professional activities
1967:Substitute judge-in-training at the Supreme Court
1975:Judge at the Court of First Instance in Rabat
1978:Deputy Prosecutor at the Rabat Court of Appeal
1979:Adviser and research officer at the Ministry of Justice
1994:Supreme Court judge (administrative chamber)
1998:Chamber President at the Supreme Court
1999–2005:Member of the Constitutional Council
Educational background
Bachelor of Laws (Political Science) (Mohamed V University – Agdal, Rabat)
Postgraduate diploma in political science (Mohamed V University – Agdal, Rabat)
Doctorate in public law (University of Paris II)
International diploma in human rights (Institut International des Droits de l’Homme, Strasbourg)
Other main activities in the field of human rights relevant to the mandate of the Committee against Torture
Lecturer at the Higher Institute for the Judiciary, Rabat
Member of Study Group G14 under the auspices of His Majesty the King (1996–1999)
Member of the National Steering Committee for the Action Plan for Democracy and Human Rights, Rabat
Member of the National Steering Committee for Combating Violence against Women
Representative of the Ministry of Justice at many international meetings and conferences
Participant in the drafting of bilateral conventions
List of most recent publications in this field
“Statut familial en droit international privé marocain” (Status of the family in Moroccan private international law) (Arabic textbook for judicial assistants)
“La condition de la femme en matière de régime matrimonial entre les recommandations des Nations Unies et le droit musulman” (Status of women in matrimonial regimes: United Nations recommendations and Muslim law) (communication, 15th IDEF Congress, Rabat 20–27 November 1983, R J. P.I. C. April–June 1983)
“Le mariage mixte en droit international privé marocain” (Mixed marriage in Moroccan private international law) (article in Revue de la Sûreté Nationale)
“L’obligation de l’entretien” (The obligation to talk) (communication, seminar organized in February 1988 in Mehdia, Morocco, by the Ligue Marocaine pour la Protection de l’Enfance)
“La condition juridique de la femme marocaine” (The legal status of Moroccan women) (communication)
“La condition de la femme arabe musulmane” (The status of Arab Muslim women) (seminar, University of Montreal, Canada, December 1985)
“Les droits du conjoint survivant en droit marocain” (The rights of the surviving spouse in Moroccan law) (communication, seminar, Zaire, July 1987)
“Les manquements aux obligations familiales en droit marocain” (Shortcomings in Moroccan law on family obligations)
Annex IV
Alessio Bruni (Italy)
Date and place of birth:26 June 1947, Florence, Italy
Working languages:English, French, Spanish, Italian (mother tongue)
Current position/function
Member of the Committee against Torture
Main professional activities
From July 2006 to 30 June 2007, Chief ad interim of the Treaties and Human Rights Council Branch of the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. As such, he supervised the work of the secretariat relating to: (a) all the treaty bodies serviced by OHCHR and (b) the Human Rights Council.
From 2000 to 2007, Treaty Implementation Team Leader supervising the work of the Secretariat relating to four Treaty Bodies serviced by OHCHR and two Working Group of the Commission on Human Rights on the elaboration of a) the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment and b) the International Convention on the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearances.
From 1987 to 2000, mainly responsible for the implementation and development of the treaty based mechanisms to prevent and combat torture, within the United Nations Human Rights Programme.
From 1975 to 1987, he acquired professional experience in numerous areas of the United Nations Human Rights Programme.
Educational background
Advanced University Degree in Political Science (Summa cum Laude) with specialization in International Relations and International Law, University of Florence, 1973
Other main activities in the field of human rights relevant to the mandate of the Committee against Torture
He participated as resource person in meetings and consultations with States and international governmental and non-governmental organizations concerning the Treaty Body Strengthening Process launched by the United Nations Secretary-General and the High Commissioner for Human Rights since 2009.
He represented the Committee against Torture in the 12th Inter-Committee Meeting, in June 2011, and in other conferences and seminars.
In his capacity as Treaty Implementation Team Leader from 2000 to 2007, he contributed to the development of an increased cooperation between treaty bodies, Special Rapporteurs of the Human Rights Commission and international organizations.
In his capacity as Secretary of the Committee against Torture since its establishment in 1987 until 2000, he developed measures of interaction and cooperation between the Committee and the Special Rapporteur of the Commission on Human Rights on questions relating to Torture; the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture; and the United Nations Voluntary Fund for the Victims of Torture.
List of most recent publications in this field
Participant in the elaboration of the “Manual on the Effective Investigation and Documentation of Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment” also called the “Istanbul Protocol” which was published by the United Nations in 2004
“Enhancing visits to places of detention: promoting collaboration” article published in “Human Rights Briefs”, American University, Washington College of Law, August 2011
Annex V
Marija Definis Gojanović (Croatia)
Date and place of birth:7 February 1960, Zagreb, Croatia
Working language:English
Current position/function
Head of the Department of Forensic Medicine, Split University School of Medicine, Croatia (since 1997), and Mostar University School of Medicine, Bosnia and Herzegovina (since 2002)
Croatian Medical Chamber – High honourable court (since 2007)
Permanent expert testimony for forensic medicine at District Courts, Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina (since 1993)
Coroner and medical examiner for Split-Dalmatia County, Croatia (since 1995)
Main professional activities
Specialist of forensic medicine and Head of the Department of Forensic Medicine, University Hospital Centre Split, Croatia
Professor of forensic medicine and medical ethics at Split University School of Medicine, Croatia, and Mostar University School of Medicine, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Lecturer at University Study “Forensics”, University of Split, at postgraduate study “Medicine and Law”, Split University School of Law, at undergraduate study Medical humanities”, Split University School of Medicine
Member of the Working Group of the National Drugs Information Unit, Office for Combating Drugs Abuse of the Government of the Republic of Croatia
Consultant-health expert in Western Balkans Infrastructure Projects Facility, State Prison and Penitentiary Šibenik, Croatia
Member of National identification program of war victims in Republic of Croatia
Educational background
M.D., Zagreb University School of Medicine, Croatia (1984)
Postgraduate study in biology-biomedicine, Zagreb University School of Natural Science and Mathematics, Croatia (1984–1986)
PhD in forensic medicine, Zagreb University School of Medicine, Croatia (1998)
Specialization of forensic medicine, Department of Forensic Medicine and Criminalistics, Zagreb University School of Medicine, Croatia (1989–1993)
Guest Forensic Pathologist at Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, State of Connecticut, United States of America (1996)
Specialist consultant in Office of Missing Persons and Forensics, Medical Examiner’s Office, Department of Justice, UNMIK (2003)
Other main activities in the field of human rights relevant to the mandate of the Committee against Torture
Member of: European Committee for the Prevention of Torture (since 2002), UN Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture (2007–2012), Independent Medical Advisory Panel, “European NPM Project”, Council of Europe and the European Commission (since 2011), National Preventive Mechanism, Croatia (since 2012)
Invited independent expert/consultant/trainer in (most recent): Project “Strengthening forensic examination of torture and other forms of ill-treatment in Moldova”, UNDP, Moldova, 2012
Seminar “Effective Documentation of Ill-treatment” Reinforcing the fight against ill-treatment and impunity, Council of Europe/European Union Joint Programme, Georgia, 2012
The Global Campaign for Pretrial Justice – round-table discussion “Evolving Standards in Preventing Torture and Ill-treatment against Persons with Disabilities”, MDAC, France, 2011
Expert consultation, Developing a Health Monitoring Tool for Places of Pretrial Detention”, Open Society Justice Initiative, Austria, 2011
List of most recent publications in this field
Definis-Gojanović M., Forensic Medicine, in: Simunovic V.J.: Catalogue of Clinical Skills, Seattle, CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2013
Influence of war on quantitative and qualitative changes in drug-induced mortality in Split-Dalmatia County, CroatMedJ, 2011
Co-author of book Footsteps of Herzegovinian killed monks: exhumation in Zagvozd and identification, Herzegovinian Franciscan Province, Mostar, 2007
Co-author of book Analysis of DNA in Forensic Medicine and Law, MN, Zagreb, 2008
Annex VI
Gnambi Garba Kodjo (Togo)
Date and place of birth:19 November 1964, Kabou, Togo
Working language:French
Current position/function
Director of Public Prosecutions at the Lomé Court of Appeal, Togo; former Public Prosecutor at the Court of First Instance (first class) of Lomé; former Director of the Prison and Rehabilitation Service, former adviser to the Minister of Justice; course director in prison studies at the National School of Administration, third cycle, judicial studies option.
Main professional activities
Monitoring the application of criminal law; participating in the development of criminal and prison policy; monitoring the activity of the criminal investigation police; administering the court of appeal and monitoring the work of public prosecutors in tribunaux d’instance (courts of minor jurisdiction) under the jurisdiction of the court of appeal; training judges; handling oral and written submissions; liaising between the Ministry of Justice and the courts; monitoring conditions of detention and their legality.
Educational background
1992–1994:Diploma, National School of Administration of Togo, third cycle
1987–1991:Master of Laws, University of Benin
1983–1987:Baccalauréat (secondary school leaving certificate – option A4) at the Lycée d’Enseignement Général, Sokodé
1979–1983:Brevet d’études du premier cycle (lower secondary school certificate – option B) at the Collège d’Enseignement Général, Sara-Kaboura
1972–1979:Certificat d’études du premier cycle (primary school certificate) at the Catholic School of Kabou-Sara
Other main activities in the field of human rights relevant to the mandate of the Committee against Torture
Member of the interministerial commission for the preparation of initial and periodic reports on the implementation of international conventions and treaties ratified by Togo
Consultant on the preparation of the report for the universal periodic review of Togo
Member of the committee set up to follow up on recommendations made at the seminar on implementation of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment and the establishment of a national preventive mechanism
Member of the Government delegation for the submission of initial and periodic reports
Chair of the subcommittee set up to examine the choice of national preventive mechanism in Togo
Government spokesperson during the debate in Parliament on the bill to ratify the Optional Protocol
Government spokesperson during the debate on the bill to abolish the death penalty in Togo
List of most recent publications in this field
None
Annex VII
Jens Modvig (Denmark)
Date and place of birth:26 December 1953, Copenhagen, Denmark
Working languages:English, Spanish, Danish (mother tongue)
Current position/function
Chief Medical Officer, DIGNITY – Danish Institute against Torture, and Clinical Associate Professor, University of Copenhagen
Main professional activities
2009–Clinical Associate Professor in Social Medicine and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen
2008–Chief Medical Officer, Inter. Dept. DIGNITY – Danish Institute against Torture
2007–2008Director (D2), United Nations Office in Belgrade (UNOB), Serbia
2004–2007Deputy Head of Mission, OSCE, Mission in Kosovo, Pristina, Kosovo and D/DSRSG for Pillar III in UNMIK
2000–2004Secretary General, International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims
1995–1999Assistant and Associate Professor, University of Copenhagen
1994–1999Medical consultant (part-time), International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims
Educational background
1991PhD in Public Health Epidemiology (University of Copenhagen)
1988Medical Doctor (University of Copenhagen)
1976Social Worker University Diploma (University of Roskilde)
1974Basic Diploma in Social Sciences (University of Roskilde)
Other main activities in the field of human rights relevant to the mandate of the Committee against Torture
2010–Member of the Independent Forensic Expert Group organised by the IRCT
2009–Member of the Advisory Board of Torture – Journal on Rehabilitation of Torture Victims and Prevention of Torture
2009–Participant in the build-up and implementation of the Danish National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) under OPCAT as coordinator of the health professional NPM component. Carried out around 35 NPM monitoring visits to prisons and pre-trial detentions in Denmark and abroad
1994–Carried out around 165 short-term missions to 45 countries to support projects for rehabilitation of torture victims, for prevention of torture or to do advocacy or fundraising for the fight against torture
1991–2001Medical consultant for the Social Welfare Centre in Norrebro, City of Copenhagen, evaluating many cases of tortured refugees
List of most recent publications in this field
Modvig J. Violence, torture and sexual abuse in prisons. In: Health in Prisons. WHO Europe region, 2013 (in press)
Wang SJ, Rushiti F, Sejdiu X, Pacolli S, Gashi B, Salihu F, Modvig J. Survivors of war in northern Kosovo (III): The role of anger and hatred in pain and PTSD and their interactive effects on career outcome, quality of sleep and suicide ideation. Confl Health. 2012 Jul 30;6(1):4
Modvig J. Torture and Refugees. In: Uma A Segal and Doreen Elliott (eds.) Refugees Worldwide Volume 3: Mental Health p. 33–48. Praeger 2012
International Forensic Expert Group. Statement on hooding. Torture. 2011;21(3):186-9
Wang SJ, Pacolli S, Rushiti F, Rexhaj B, Modvig J. Survivors of war in the Northern Kosovo (II): baseline clinical and functional assessment and lasting effects on the health of a vulnerable population. Confl. Health. 2010 Sep 21; 4:16
Annex VIII
Monalisa Noowe Kakano (Uganda)
Date and place of birth:11 December, 1978, Kampala
Working languages:English, Swahili, local languages
Current position/function
Head of the Human Rights Department of Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI) Uganda
Main professional activities
1998: Assistant Legal Officer Ministry of Defence
2000: Chairperson Makerere Kazo Students Association
2001: Member of the Committee in charge of National Elections Makerere University
2002: Research Assistant Kasimbazi and Co Advocates
2005: Assistant Legal Officer National Environment Management Authority (NEMA)
2007: Supervisor of Prosecution in Unit Disciplinary Courts – Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence
2012: Head of the Human Rights Department – Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence
Educational background
Bachelor’s of Law Degree
Pursing a Master’s Degree in Human Rights Law and International Relations
Other main activities in the field of human rights relevant to the mandate of the Committee against Torture
The candidate has represented the Ministry of Defence and the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence at several International and National meetings and conferences.
The candidate has also received certificates in Humanitarian Law and Human Rights Law from: International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) (2013), United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) (2012).
Member of the National Committee for drafting a road map for implementation of the prevention and prohibition of torture act 2012.
List of most recent publications in this field
Implementation of the Istanbul protocol in Uganda commissioned by the International Rehabilitation Centre for Torture Victims Denmark
Study of conflict between the State and local people over forestry resources in Uganda
Policy document on Human Rights for Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence
Special operating procedures on torture for the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence
A Paper on Gender based violence for the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence
An article on the simplified version of the prevention and prohibition of torture act 2012 for the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence
Document on the Road map for the implementation of the prevention and prohibition of torture act 2012
RE-Thinking the Death Penalty in Uganda (thesis)
Annex IX
Ana Racu (Republic of Moldova)
Date and place of birth:17 June 1979, Republic of Moldova
Working languages:English, Russian, French, Romanian (mother tongue)
Current position/function
European Committee for the Prevention of Torture, Member in respect of Republic of Moldova.
Main professional activities
Monitoring of places of detention (CPT, 2011–2013); Coordination of Penitentiary Reform Program (NGO, Institute for Penal Reform, 2001–2006); Support the implementation of the National Human Rights Actions Plan, coordinate the component on Human Rights Monitoring and Reporting (UNDP, 2006–2008); Training NPM members, police and prison employees, medical doctors and forensic experts, prosecutors and judges in human rights and torture prevention (UNDP, Moldovan Department of Penitentiary Institutions, 2006–2012); Serve as contact person for different Human Rights evaluation and monitoring missions within Moldovan prison system, including international projects on prison and criminal justice reform (UE, UNICEF, OSCE, UNAIDS, Pompidou Group, MoJ, 2008–2011).
Educational background
Moldova State University: University degree in Law (2001); Public Law, specialization in Criminal law and procedure. Diploma thesis: “Social response to criminality”
Specialized trainings: “Reporting to UN CAT” (UNDP, Chisinau, 2006); Improving detention conditions and combating ill-treatment (CoE, Antalya, 2011)
Participation at over 20 national trainings, workshops and conferences in the human rights, criminal justice and penitentiary reform areas
Other main activities in the field of human rights relevant to the Committee against Torture
Coordination the activity of the Working group for annual and periodical reports on CAT and ICCPR implementation (UNDP and MFA, 2006–2007)
Drafting the section on torture prevention, UPR Moldova (2011)
Drafting the reports on Human Rights observance in the Republic of Moldova (Ombudsman Institution, 2000–2001)
List of most recent publications in this field
Articles and news on prison reform, alternatives to detention, juvenile justice, Informative newsletters (NGO Institute for Penal Reform, 2002–2005)
Social reintegration of persons released from places of detention. Evaluation report (SIDA, Soros Foundation, 2009)
Annex X
Kadidia Sangare (Mali)
Date and place of birth: 3 May 1962, San, Mali
Working languages:French, English (fair), Bambara (mother tongue)
Current position/function
Lawyer (since 1987)
Head of the National Human Rights Commission of Mali
Main professional activities
Handling cases in all general areas of law (civil, criminal, business and commercial law)
Providing assistance and advice to clients and representing them before courts and tribunals
Educational background
Baccalauréat (high distinction) (philosophy and languages)
June 1986:Master of Laws (distinction), Legal Sciences Department, National School of Administration, Bamako
1987:Certificat d’Aptitude à la Profession d’Avocat (certificate of competence to practise as a lawyer)
2007:Training in torture prevention organized by the Geneva-based Association for the Prevention of Torture and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. Familiar with the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment and its status in Africa
September–October 2011:Training in human rights protection at the National School of Administration, Paris
Other main activities in the field relevant to the mandate of the Committee against Torture
Representation of clients before national courts in Rwanda in 1997 in the framework of the “Justice for All in Rwanda” project set up by Avocats sans Frontières, designed to assist Rwandan courts in the trial of genocide cases
Participation in the drafting of a juvenile justice training manual (project of the National Directorate for the Promotion of the Rights of the Child, funded by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF))
Participation in the drafting of the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa (Maputo Protocol)
Gender consultant for a study on gender in the security sector in Mali and a study on women’s access to justice
Preparation and publication of the first report of the National Human Rights Commission on the human rights situation in Mali in 2011
Trainer and lecturer in human rights, in general, and the rights of women and children, and violence against women, in particular
List of most recent publications in this field
None
Annex XI
Bhogendra Sharma (Nepal)
Date and place of birth:December 15, 1957, Dhankuta district, Eastern Hill of Nepal
Languages:Nepali, English, Hindi
Spoken Urdu, some Japanese and French
Current position/function
Founder and President of the Board: Centre for Victims of Torture, Nepal (CVICT). Working in the area of prevention of torture and providing medical, psychosocial, legal support and rehabilitation of torture victims among Nepali citizens as well as among Bhutanese refugees. Working to improve government policies to protect rights of detainees.
Main professional activities
Co-Principal Investigator of Trauma and Global Health Research on Victims of War and Conflict, a multi country research with McGill University and Douglas Hospital Montreal Canada. 2006–2012
Member of a PhD evaluation committee at the Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam
Member of Scientific Committee of International Symposium on torture as a challenge to Medical, Legal and other professions co-organized by IRCT, National Human Rights Commission, Indian Law Institute, and Indian Medical Association 1999
Corresponding Editor of the Journal Torture 1994–2003
Visiting professor/senior lecturer/guest lecturer on the subject of torture and its consequences, victimology, impact of war and trauma in society, cultural aspects of violence, traditional healing approaches, and medical documentation of torture at universities, professional medical associations, and health and human rights institutions in Nepal and abroad
Educational background
Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS): Tribhuwan University Institute of Medicine Kathmandu Nepal 1989
MSc (Epidemiology): Erasmus University, Rotterdam, the Netherlands 2000
Executive Management Education: Harvard Business School, Boston, United States of America, 2003
Other main activities in the field of human rights relevant to the mandate of the Committee against Torture
Coordinated, prepared and submitted State Report of Nepal submitted to UN Committee against Torture (September, 2005) in consultation with relevant Nepal Government agencies including law enforcing bodies and civil society of Nepal
President of Board of International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims (IRCT) 2003–2005
Chair of IRCT Research Committee on Torture 1999–2002
Member of Human Rights Committee of Nepal Medical Association
Advisor and Founder Coordinator of Human Rights Alliance Nepal – the largest human rights network spread all over the country with its 1,500 member organizations in the network
List of most recent publications in this field
Tol, W.A., Komproe, I.H., Jordans, M.J.D., Sharma, B. & de Jong, J.T.V.M. (2009) Brief multi-disciplinary treatment for torture survivors in Nepal: A naturalistic effectiveness study. International J Soc Psychiatry 55(1) 39-56
Van Ommeren M, Sharma, B, Sharma, GK, Komproe I, Cardeña E, de Jong JTVM. The relationship between somatic and PTSD symptoms among Bhutanese refugee torture survivors: examination of comorbidity with anxiety and depression. J Trauma Stress. 2002; 15:415–422
Thapa S, Van Ommeren M, Sharma B, de Jong JTVM, Hauff, E. Psychiatric disability among tortured Bhutanese refugees in Nepal. Am J Psychiatry. 2003; 160:2032-7
Jordans, M.J.D., Tol, W.A., Sharma, B., & Van Ommeren, M.H. (2003). Training of psychosocial counselling in Nepal: content review of a specialized training program. Intervention: the International Journal of Mental Health, Psychosocial Work, and Counseling in Areas of Armed Conflict, 1, 18–35
Tol, W.A., Komproe, I.H., Thapa, S.B., Jordans, M.J.D. Sharma, B. & de Jong, J.T.V.M. (2007). Disability associated with psychiatric symptoms among torture survivors in rural Nepal. Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease, 195(6), 463–469
Van Ommeren M, Sharma B, Prasain D, Poudyal BN. Addressing human rights violations. In: de Jong JTVM, editor. Trauma, war and violence: public mental health in socio-cultural context. New York: Plenum. 2002: 259–283
Annex XII
Kening Zhang (China)
Date and place of birth: 9 December 1949, Beijing, China
Working languages:Chinese, English
Current position/function
Legal Advisor, Department of Treaty and Law, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, China
Adjunct Professor, Law School, Peking University, Beijing, China
Member of Research, Center for Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, Peking University, Beijing, China
Adjunct Professor, Law School, Renmin University of China, Beijing, China
Adjunct Professor, Law School, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
Professor of Law, South China Sea Institute, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
Main professional activities
1977–1979Lecturer, English Department, Beijing International Studies University
1982–1984Editor, International Department, People’s Daily, China
1987–1993Deputy Director and Director, Department of Treaty and Law, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, China
1993–1997First Secretary, Counsellor and Legal Advisor, Permanent Mission of China to the United Nations
1997–2013Legal Officer, Senior Legal Officer, Principal Legal Officer and Interim Director General of the International Seabed Authority; Secretary to the Assembly, the Council and the Credentials Committee
2013–PresentLegal Advisor, Department of Treaty and Law, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, China
Educational background
1984–1987Doctorate Candidate for International Law, Law School, Peking University, obtained degree of Juridical Science Doctor (JSD) in 1987
1986.9–1986.11Visiting Lecturer on International Environmental Law, Law Faculty, University of British Columbia, Canada
1986.11–1987.4Visiting Scholar, Law School, New York University, the United States of America
1980–1982Visiting Scholar, Law Faculty, Melbourne University, Australia
1979–1982Post Graduate of Journalism, School of Post Graduate, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, obtained LL.M in 1982
1973–1977English Department, Beijing International Studies University
Other main activities in the field of human rights relevant to the mandate of the Committee against Torture
1987–1993Participated in the negotiations on the conclusion of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC); Conducted affairs concerning China’s ratification of CRC
Drafted China’s initial report of the Convention against Torture (CAT) and participated in consideration on the report
1987–1993Participated in China’s negotiations on bilateral legal assistance agreements in criminal matters with Turkey, Romania, Ukraine, Mongolia and Bulgaria
1990Headed Central Government fact-finding team to investigate treatment of Tibetan offenders jailed in Lasa Penitentiary, Tibet, to meet the request of the Committee against Torture to submit supplementary report
1990Attended the Eighth United Nations Congress on the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders in Havana, Cuba, as legal advisor of the Chinese delegation
1993–1997Attended meetings and negotiations on various legal subjects conducted in the Sixth Committee (Legal) and the Third Committee (Human Rights) of General Assembly of the United Nations
As Legal Advisor to the Permanent Mission of China to the UN, participated in the negotiations on the establishment of the criminal tribunals of the Former Yugoslav Tribunal and the Rwanda Tribunal
Lectured at Law School of Peking University on the work of the Committee against Torture and its consideration of China’s reports
List of most recent publications in this field
Editor, Board of Editors, Chinese Journal of International Law, English version, Oxford University Press