Preventing Torture An Operational Guide for National Human Rights Institutions Chapter 11: Public inquiries Key questions • What are the advantages and disadvantages of NHRIs conducting a public inquiry on torture and ill-treatment? • What steps are involved in establishing and running an effective public inquiry? Legal basis for NHRI involvement Paris Principles Competence and responsibilities 3. A national institution shall, inter alia, have the following responsibilities: (a) To submit to the Government, Parliament and any other competent body, on an advisory basis either at the request of the authorities concerned or through the exercise of its power to hear a matter without higher referral, opinions, recommendations, proposals and reports on any matter concerning the promotion and protection of human rights. The national institution may decide to publicize them. 1. Introduction Conducting a public inquiry on systemic violations of human rights, such as torture and ill-treatment, can be a very effective strategy for NHRIs. This approach allows NHRIs to go beyond the investigation of individual complaints. By gathering information and evidence from a variety of sources, a NHRI can identify the underlying factors that contribute to the violation of human rights and propose recommendations for positive change. Because the inquiry process is public, it can also help raise community awareness of the issue and build understanding and support for recommendations made by the NHRI. 2. Advantages and disadvantages of a public inquiry on torture 2.1. Advantages A public inquiry is a comprehensive process that allows NHRIs to perform several functions at the same time. Handle a large number of complaints A public inquiry on torture and ill-treatment in detention enables the NHRI to deal in a streamlined and cost-effective way with a large number of individual cases. The proactive nature of the inquiry might also mean that the NHRI receives complaints from individuals who, for various reasons, may not otherwise 106 | Chapter 11: Public inquiries