Libreville, in a decisive move to enhance procedural safeguards and professionalise its security sector, Gabonese Ministry of Justice in partnership with APT concluded a national roundtable focused on the implementation of the Méndez Principles, with particular emphasis on introducing standardised custody registers.
The two-day meeting, held on February 18 and 19 in Libreville, brought together high-level participants from across the justice and security sectors. Key attendees included representatives from the Ministry of Justice, the Police and Gendarmerie Directorates, the Internal Security Inspectorate, as well as prosecutors, the Bar Association, and the NHRI.
Registers as a Fundamental Safeguard
A central focus of the discussion was the recognition that custody registers are not merely administrative tools but constitute a fundamental procedural safeguard. Under the Méndez Principles, the accurate and comprehensive recording of all aspects of detention, from the moment of deprivation of liberty onward, is essential to prevent torture, ensure accountability, and protect the integrity of the judicial process.
Participants examined the current state of record-keeping in Gabon's police stations and gendarmerie brigades, identifying gaps and opportunities for improvement. The presentation of a standardized custody register model, developed by APT, provided a practical focal point for discussions.
"A custody register is a safeguard that makes all other safeguards possible," Ben Buckland, APT Senior Advisor for Oversight explained during the session. "Without a reliable record, rights such as access to a lawyer or the right to inform a family member become unverifiable and ultimately unenforceable. The register transforms these principles from abstract promises into documented realities.”
Discussions also looked toward the future, with participants highlighting the importance of anticipating the modernization of custody records through digitalization. The potential integration of new technologies, including artificial intelligence tools, was explored as a means to enhance accuracy, accessibility, and oversight capabilities.
Participants recognised that while paper-based registers represent an essential first step, a forward-looking approach must consider how digital solutions could further strengthen safeguards and streamline documentation processes.
Addressing Challenges: Infrastructure and Training
The roundtable provided a platform for honest dialogue about the practical challenges of implementation. Participants openly discussed infrastructure limitations that could affect the introduction of standardised registers, particularly in remote areas. The critical need for comprehensive training for police and gendarmerie personnel was also emphasized as a prerequisite for successful adoption.
In response to these capacity-building needs, APT highlighted the availability of its online training course on the use of standardised custody registers. Juvenal Babona, APT Representative in Africa noted that” this existing resource could be adapted to the Gabonese context, providing a flexible and accessible foundation for building the skills of officers across the country.” This offer was welcomed by participants as a practical pathway to address training challenges in a sustainable manner.
The roundtable builds on Gabon's existing human rights framework, including its ratification of the UNCAT and its Optional Protocol, OPCAT. The designation of the NHRI as the NPM in November 2024 has further reinforced the country's commitment to preventing torture through regular monitoring of places of detention.
Interactive Engagement and Practical Pathways
The roundtable featured interactive working groups where participants engaged in practical exercises simulating the proper use of standardised registers.
By the conclusion of the event, participants had identified concrete steps for developing and integrating the standardised register model into national policies, police and gendarmerie training curricula, and daily practice in custody suites.
The collaborative effort marks a significant milestone for Gabon, demonstrating a commitment to transforming international principles into operational realities that protect the rights and dignity of all persons deprived of liberty.
