JEAN-JACQUES GAUTIER NPM SYMPOSIUM 2015 the SPT3 or the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights4 play in this regard. Some countries face numerous obstacles to ensuring the fundamental rights of people held in detention in general, including overcrowding, violence and difficulties of access to health care. In such contexts, NPMs find it even more difficult to propose the establishment of preventive measures regarding LGBT detainees. Indeed, under these conditions respect for fundamental rights is regarded as a priority and LGBT issues are often relegated to the background. The political and social contexts in which NPMs are involved therefore have a significant influence on the implementation of preventive measures concerning LGBT persons deprived of their liberty. Participants therefore emphasised the importance of ensuring that any action by NPMs should, in all cases, take into consideration the context in which it is undertaken. General principles Even though the contexts in which NPMs operate can vary, two general principles should guide all action they take in relation to LGBT detainees. In line with the principle "nothing about us without us", the main persons concerned should be included in all reflection and projects regarding LGBT issues. It is important for NPMs to be aware of the limits of their knowledge of such a complex issue and to engage with experts and especially with LGBT persons to jointly elaborate and implement their preventive strategies. In accordance with the second principle, "do no harm", no action should be taken as part of the preventive mandate of NPMs that is prejudicial to detainees. While this principle applies generally to all NPM actions, it is particularly valid in relation to measures that affect people in situations of vulnerability. Although it is difficult to identify good practices and valid solutions in all contexts, this principle can be applied everywhere and at all times, and thus help NPMs to analyse the impact of their preventive measures. 3 4 10 Notably its 8th annual report which contains a section on the situation of LGBT persons in detention: http://tbinternet.ohchr.org/_layouts/treatybodyexternal/ Download.aspx?symbolno=CAT%2fC%2f54%2f2&Lang=en For example, its press release in May 2015 on the violence and discrimination faced by LGBT persons deprived of liberty: http://www.oas.org/en/iachr/media_center/ PReleases/2015/053.asp