Strengthening Torture Prevention through the OPCAT Special Fund

Deadline: 01-Mar-2026

The OPCAT Special Fund supports projects that prevent torture and ill-treatment by implementing recommendations of the UN Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture (SPT). It provides grants of up to USD 30,000 to National Preventive Mechanisms (NPMs), State parties, NHRIs, and NGOs in countries where SPT visit reports are public. Applications are accepted annually from 1 January to 1 March.

Overview of the OPCAT Special Fund

The OPCAT Special Fund is a dedicated funding mechanism established under the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture (OPCAT). Its purpose is to strengthen national systems that prevent torture and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment.

The Fund supports targeted, country-specific projects in States that have been visited by the Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture (SPT) and where the SPT visit reports have been made public.

Core Objectives of the Fund

The OPCAT Special Fund focuses on two primary objectives:

• Supporting the implementation of SPT recommendations following country visits

• Strengthening the independence, capacity, and effectiveness of National Preventive Mechanisms (NPMs)

Projects must directly contribute to the establishment, functioning, or sustainability of national torture-prevention mechanisms.

Key Areas of Support

The Fund prioritises projects that deliver practical and systemic impact, including:

• Implementation of SPT country-specific recommendations

• Capacity-building and operational support for NPMs

• Educational and training programmes led by NPMs

• Institutional reforms within detention systems

• Improvements in safeguards for persons deprived of liberty

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible Applicants

Applications may be submitted by:

• State parties to OPCAT

• National Preventive Mechanisms (NPMs)

• National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) compliant with international standards

• Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) working in cooperation with relevant national authorities

Eligible Countries

Projects must be implemented in:

• States where SPT visit reports have been published, or

• Countries where NPM-led educational programmes are proposed

Grant Size and Funding Structure

• Maximum grant amount: USD 30,000 per project

• Funding source: Voluntary contributions from governments, inter-governmental organizations, foundations, NGOs, private entities, and individuals

• Funding approach: Project-based, targeted, and impact-oriented

The Fund’s voluntary financing model allows for flexible, context-specific interventions on the ground.

Application Timeline

• Call for applications opens: 1 January

• Application deadline: 1 March

• Call frequency: Annual

Late or incomplete applications are not considered.

How the OPCAT Special Fund Works

1. The SPT conducts a country visit and issues recommendations

2. The SPT visit report is made public

3. Eligible entities design projects addressing SPT recommendations or NPM capacity needs

4. Applications are submitted during the annual call period

5. Selected projects receive funding of up to USD 30,000

6. Projects are implemented and monitored for impact

Why This Fund Matters

The OPCAT Special Fund plays a critical role in translating international human rights standards into practical national action. It enables:

• Stronger safeguards against torture and ill-treatment

• Independent monitoring of places of detention

• Sustainable institutional and legal reforms

• Tangible improvements in the treatment of detainees

By supporting NPMs, the Fund reinforces one of the most effective global mechanisms for torture prevention.

Demonstrated Impact and Results

Projects supported by the Fund have led to measurable change, including:

• Adoption of revised criminal procedure laws in Benin

• Enactment of the Prison Act in Honduras

• Legal prohibitions on abusive body searches in Brazil

• Establishment of detainee registries in Paraguay

• Improved medical and legal examination procedures in the Maldives

• Release of 49 unjustly detained remand prisoners in Benin

These outcomes illustrate both systemic reform and direct human impact.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting proposals outside eligible countries

• Failing to link activities to specific SPT recommendations

• Proposing projects unrelated to NPM strengthening

• Applying without coordination with responsible national entities

Tips for a Strong Application

• Clearly reference relevant SPT recommendations

• Demonstrate how the project strengthens NPM independence or effectiveness

• Focus on practical, measurable outcomes

• Ensure alignment with OPCAT objectives

• Provide a realistic budget within the USD 30,000 limit

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the OPCAT Special Fund?

It is a UN-supported fund that finances projects preventing torture through the implementation of SPT recommendations.

2. Who can apply to the OPCAT Special Fund?

State parties, NPMs, compliant NHRIs, and NGOs working with relevant national authorities.

3. How much funding is available per project?

Up to USD 30,000 per project or grantee.

4. When can applications be submitted?

Annually between 1 January and 1 March.

5. Which countries are eligible?

Countries where SPT visit reports have been published or where NPM-led educational programmes are proposed.

6. What types of projects are prioritised?

Projects implementing SPT recommendations or strengthening NPM capacity and independence.

7. Does the Fund support legislative reform?

Yes. Legislative and policy reforms aligned with SPT recommendations are eligible.

Conclusion

The OPCAT Special Fund is a vital global mechanism for preventing torture by transforming international oversight into national-level action. By funding targeted projects, strengthening National Preventive Mechanisms, and supporting institutional reform, the Fund delivers lasting protections for people deprived of liberty.

For more information, visit OHCHR.