Preventing Torture An Operational Guide for National Human Rights Institutions priorities and specific places of detention to visit and offer advice on the implementation of Optional Protocol’s requirements. During the visit, the Subcommittee and the NPM should have direct contact. Following the visit, NPMs can lobby the Government to publish the report of the Subcommittee, as well as closely monitor the implementation of its recommendations. During visits to Mauritius (October 2007) and the Maldives (December 2007) the Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture delegation met with representatives of the National Human Rights Commissions of Mauritius and the Maldives, which had been designated as NPMs. The Human Rights Commission of Mexico held a meeting with the Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture during the session of the Subcommittee in Geneva in November 2007. During its visit to Mexico (27 August–12 September 2008), the Subcommittee met with the NPM Unit of the Human Rights Commission. • Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture has a mandate to assist NPMs (articles 11 (b)(iii) and (iv)) The Optional Protocol sets out an important role for the Subcommittee to assist NPMs critically evaluate their needs and capacity to strengthen protections for persons deprived of their liberty. The Subcommittee can also provide advice and training to NPMs and make recommendations to the State on its effective functioning. This advisory role is potentially very important; however, it is still embryonic at this early stage of the Optional Protocol’s implementation. In its first annual report, the Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture prepared “Preliminary guidelines for the ongoing development of national preventative mechanisms” and is considering how it may develop this role further. Watch Go to the Preventing Torture CD-Rom to watch Victor Rodriguez Rescia, Chair of the Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture, discussing some of the key elements of an effective national preventive mechanism. Click on ‘Feature materials’ and then select ‘Item 18 – Operating an effective NPM’. 4. Contribution of non-NPM NHRIs to the Optional Protocol’s bodies Even when NHRIs are not designated as NPMs, they can still make an important contribution to effective implementation of the Optional Protocol. 4.1. Cooperation with the Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture With regard to the Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture, NHRIs can provide credible information regarding the situation of torture and ill-treatment in their country. They can also provide the Subcommittee with independent information on the mandate and functioning of the NPM, as well as on the implementation of recommendations submitted by the NPM. During a country visit, NHRIs should meet with the Subcommittee delegation to present recent information and discuss relevant issues in regard to torture prevention. 4.2. Contact with the NPM NHRIs can play a complementary and supporting role with the organization, or organizations, designated as the NPM. 104 | Chapter 10: NHRIs and the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture