Training on Monitoring Weapons and Restraints and the Prevention of Torture

The training event is designed for members of Slovenia’s Ombuds Institution, the national preventive mechanism for the prevention of torture and civil society representatives. It aims to enhance the participants’ understanding of monitoring and documenting the use of weapons and restraints by the law enforcement in Slovenia, with a focus on the newly introduced TASER projectile electric shock weapon.

Following the recent adoption of a new law providing for the use of projectile electric shock weapons and the subsequent purchase of TASER weapons for Slovenian police officers, the 18 participants (10 women and 8 men) will receive training specifically tailored to the national context. They will discuss current challenges in monitoring the use of certain equipment, in projectile electric shock weapons, by the police, as well as the legal framework applicable to certain categories of weapons and the use of force by the law enforcement.

The interactive event will include sessions on different types of law enforcement equipment, the related medical and human rights risks and international human rights standards on the use of force, as well as sessions on methods of documentation. The event will also provide a platform for the development of future policy recommendations for Slovenian authorities.

The training will be conducted based on the ODIHR/PRI Guidance Document on the Nelson Mandela Rules and the Omega Research Foundation’s Practical Guide on Monitoring Weapons and Restraints in Places of Detention.