In recognition that human rights are essential to achieve sustainable development, many States are
mainstreaming human rights implementation strategies within national development plans. Torture prevention
strategies can also support the implementation of sustainable development goals. For example, torture prevention
strategies such as those aimed at promoting rule of law and access to justice; reducing all forms of violence;
tackling corruption and bribery; and developing effective, accountable and transparent institutions, are also
strategies which address the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, in particular Goal 16.
SDG Goal 16: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable
development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and
inclusive institutions at all levels
Dominican Republic: a strategy to improve conditions in prisons
In an effort to reduce prison overcrowding and poor living conditions, the Dominican Republic has established the
“New Model of Prison Management system”. This strategy introduces a range of organisational changes aimed
at improving conditions of detention and the treatment of prisoners. Central to the strategy is improving the
professionalism of the prison staff through enhanced training and a more rigorous selection process. New prisons
have been established with better living conditions and improvements in access to healthcare for prisoners, as
well as activities and additional support designed to assist the process of social reintegration of prisoners.
Ecuador: aligning sustainable development and human rights
Ecuador has prepared a National Development Plan of Good Living 2013-2017 as its main instrument for public
policy design. The plan has been developed with the understanding that the majority of SDGs are linked to
human rights protection, consequently rights are acknowledged as the substantive part of the plan and not just
“an approach”. One objective of the plan is to “consolidate transformation of the judicial system and reinforce
comprehensive security, with strict respect for human rights”. This objective includes a number of policies
and goals which complement actions aimed at torture prevention such as improving and modernizing the
administration of justice, reducing crowding in prisons, reducing the number of cases pending trial, combating
gender-based violence, and tackling impunity.
Kenya: a human rights-based approach to development
The Government of Kenya has adopted a human rights-based approach to development. This approach recognises
that for development to be meaningful, rights must be realised by those whose development is at stake. Kenya has
therefore mainstreamed human rights within its national development plan “Vision 2030”. The overall objective
of this plan is to provide a framework for the integration and mainstreaming of human rights in development
planning, implementation and evaluation in all sectors. For example, one of the targeted actions under Vision
2030 to end the abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children (Goal
16.2 of the SDGs) is the establishment of integrated one stop sexual and gender-based violence response centres
in all healthcare facilities in Kenya. The centres aim to offer medical, legal and psychosocial support to victims. In
addition as part of the process of Constitutional and legislative reform under Vision 2030, a number of laws have
been enacted, including an anti-torture law which domesticates UNCAT.
TOOL: State strategies to prevent and respond to torture and other ill-treatment or punishment
4/8