Contrôleur général des lieux de privation de liberté
Following the ratification by France of the Optional Protocol to the Convention
against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or
Punishment (OPCAT), adopted in 2002 by the General Assembly of the
United Nations, the French Parliament passed a law to set up a Contrôleur
général des lieux de privation de liberté (CGLPL) and gave it the status of an
independent public body.
The Contrôleur général assumes the position of the National Preventive
Mechanism (NPM) under OPCAT. He or she makes sure that persons deprived
of their liberty are treated humanely and with respect for the dignity inherent
to any human being. In this framework, the Contrôleur général can visit at any
time, all over France, every place where people are deprived of liberty.
The first mandate holder from 2008 to 2014 was Mr Jean-Marie Delarue.
Association for the Prevention of Torture
The Association for the Prevention of Torture (APT) is an independent nongovernmental organisation based in Geneva, working globally to prevent
torture and other ill-treatment.
The APT was founded in 1977 by the Swiss banker and lawyer, Jean-Jacques
Gautier. Since then, the APT has become a leading organisation in its field. Its
expertise and advice is sought by international organisations, governments,
human rights institutions and other actors. The APT has played a key role
in establishing international and regional standards, and mechanisms to
prevent torture such as those mandated under the OPCAT.
The APT’s vision is a world free from torture where the rights and dignity of
all persons deprived of liberty are respected.
© 2014, Contrôleur général des lieux de privation de liberté (CGLPL) and
Association for the Prevention of Torture (APT). All rights reserved. Materials
contained in this publication may be freely quoted or reprinted, provided
credit is given to the source. Requests for permission to reproduce or
translate the publication should be addressed to the CGLPL or the APT.
ISBN: 978-2-940337-71-2
Lay-out: Anja Härtwig, APT
Photos: Contrôleur général des lieux de privation de liberté
Cover: Courtyard in the disciplinary quarters of a detention centre
Printing: Imprimerie Villi®, France, October 2014