Observateur National des Lieux de Privation de Liberté
ONLPL
Summary
The ONLPL was created by Loi 2009-13 of 2 March 2009, following Senegal's ratification of the OPCAT Optional Protocol in 2006. It serves as the official OPCAT National Preventive Mechanism (NPM). The Observateur is appointed by Presidential decree for a 5-year term and leads a team of human-rights monitors with a mandate to visit, without prior notice, any place where persons are deprived of their liberty, including police and gendarmerie lock-ups, prisons, juvenile detention, and immigration facilities. Findings are advisory; the body reports annually to the President and the National Assembly but cannot impose discipline.
Independence Scorecard
| Appointment | Executive appointment |
|---|---|
| Term length | 5 years |
| Removal standard | For cause only |
| Budget independence | Legislative line item |
| Subpoena power | No |
| Compel testimony | No |
| Records access | Full access |
| Public reports required | Yes |
| Pre-publication review | None — reports published directly |
Statute
- Name
- Loi 2009-13 du 2 mars 2009 portant création de l'Observateur National des Lieux de Privation de Liberté
- Citation
- Loi 2009-13 (2 March 2009)
- Full text
- Full text of law →
Jurisdiction scope
Visits and monitors all places of deprivation of liberty in Senegal, including police custody, gendarmerie detention facilities, prisons, and immigration holding centres; receives complaints from detainees; reports to the President and National Assembly. Serves as Senegal's OPCAT National Preventive Mechanism.