more than one prevention aim. Some of the common issues and challenges experienced by rehabilitation centres/services and examples of good practice are summarised below. Common issues and challenges in prevention activities Good practice in prevention of torture  Failure in ratification of relevant international instruments in national laws and implementation domestically       Impunity    Engaging government (who, which structures, how) and lack of independence of national human rights commissions (government appointees) Insensitivity and lack of knowledge regarding absolute prohibition of torture (CAT    Use existing systems in the government in terms of developing and implementing a torture prevention strategy (e.g. a national human rights institution or commission). Establish a good working relationship with and lobbying the government to influence policy in torture prevention (e.g. ratify OPCAT, implementation of an effective National Prevention Mechanism, development of a national human rights action plan). Establish a good working relationship with and lobby the government to comply with the international human rights instruments and obligations to eliminate torture. Use public interest litigation for influencing policy changes. Use a range of methods: legislative forums, policy workshops, advocacy meetings, public hearings, prison monitoring, education. Use available mechanisms strategically at the UN/international/ regional mechanisms to get policy gains at national level. Use systematic medical/psychological documentation of torture in lobbying. Use national laws, individual cases and legal procedures to influence policy changes. Lobby government to address impunity. Engage broader civil society to cooperate on anti-torture work. Familiarize your organisation with the government structures and bodies to target for prevention activities and engage with other stakeholders committed to prevention. Refer cases to the national Human Rights Commission to alert them, raise their awareness and involve them. Recognize and plan for a sustained approach given that human rights institutions have broad agenda and a long term approach is needed. Awareness-raising for public is key to building understanding of the need to prevent torture and rehabilitate its victims. 43