Dear President of the Philippines Bar Association,
We are writing to you in relation to the upcoming visit to the Philippines, of the UN Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (the SPT), which will take place from the 03 to 14 December 2023 (https://www.ohchr.org/EN/HRBodies/OPCAT/Pages/OPCATIndex.aspx).
The delegation will be visiting places of deprivation of liberty across the Philippines, in accordance with its mandate under the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture. It will also hold working sessions with the Authorities and the National commission on Human Rights.
In the context of its visit, the SPT delegation wishes to held a meeting with the bar association on 4 December between 16:00 – 17:00 at the United Nations premises. The delegation believes that it is crucial to discuss the legal matters related to the objective of this visit with the Bar association and its members.
May we kindly ask that you confirm your interest and availability by replying to this email? We would also appreciate to recieve a list of participants to faciliate your entry into the United Nations building.
Thank you very much for your attention and looking forward to hearing from you.
Kind regards,
The SPT Secretariat