JEAN-JACQUES GAUTIER NPM SYMPOSIUM 2015 ministries that could, for example, take the form of permanent entities that meet regularly, each composed of a representative from every ministry/department. Subsequently, the NPM could submit topics such as the situation of LGBT detainees for discussion to these groups. Participants were unanimous in stressing how interaction with civil society is essential to address issues in relation to the situation of LGBT persons deprived of their liberty, and noted that even in contexts where civil society experts and activists are not engaged in detention work they are often leading partners and a pillar of support for NPMs dealing with this matter. Within the limits of their capacities, NPMs could raise the awareness of civil society actors on these issues with the aim of encouraging them to focus more attention on them. Finally, in contexts where NPMs are able to include external experts in their monitoring teams, participants emphasised the added value of ensuring the participation of LGBT persons from civil society in NPM detention visits, in accordance with the principle “nothing about us without us”. 28