Preventing Torture An Operational Guide for National Human Rights Institutions This could include information about existing guarantees and procedures, as well as rights during arrest, interrogation and in detention. It may also include information about contacting the NHRI or making a complaint. This information could be distributed through: • leaflets or booklets on the rights of prisoners • pocket cards on the rights of inmates • posters displayed in police stations and prisons In Sierra Leone, the Human Rights Commission published and distributed a pocket book on the rights of prisoners. Image: APF / Michael Power The Ombudsman in Peru (Defensoría del Pueblo) launched a poster campaign on the rights of detainees with the slogan “Defend your rights – Detention only affects your liberty”. Key points: Chapter 9 • Educating the general public about the prohibition and prevention of torture is an important preventive action. • Public education campaigns can help raise awareness about the issue and provide important momentum for change. • Awareness-raising activities can also focus on persons deprived of liberty and those who are most at risk of torture and ill-treatment. Further reading In the CD-Rom Media Communications Toolkit; Institute for Media, Policy and Civil Society; 2001 Developing Effective Media Communication Skills; Institute for Media, Policy and Civil Society; 2001 96 | Chapter 9: Promoting public awareness