28 October 2016 — Philippine candidate Dr. June Caridad Pagaduan-Lopez won a 2nd term in the Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (SPT) at elections held at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland on October 27.
The SPT is composed of 25 independent and impartial experts from countries which have ratified or acceded to the optional protocol to the convention against torture (OPCAT). Members serve in their individual capacity and are drawn from a variety of different backgrounds relevant to its work, including lawyers, medical professionals and detention and inspection experts.
Members are elected by state parties for a four-year term, with a chance to run for re-election. Dr. Lopez held her first four years in the SPT from 2012-2016. She was elected another four-year term from 2017-2020.
The Philippines acceded on April 17, 2012 to the OPCAT, becoming its 63rd state party. Dr. Lopez’s nomination to the SPT reflects the Philippines’ commitment to human rights, the OPCAT and its work. End