Part II Preventing torture: NHRIs in action | Section IV Cross-cutting actions Visits to places of detention Given that the risk of torture and ill-treatment is highest for persons deprived of their liberty, the public inquiry will need to include thorough inspections of different places of detention. Interviews with persons deprived of liberty Depending on its scope, a central part of the public inquiry will involve interviews with persons deprived of their liberty. Focus group discussions should be conducted with detainees. However, it is crucial that the NHRI also conducts interviews in private with a large and representative selection of detainees. Preparation of a report and recommendations Preparing a final report is an important outcome for the public inquiry, although it may not necessarily be the only one. It is important to consider the structure of the report in the early stages of the inquiry, as this may influence the methodology of the inquiry process. Preparing a report is time-consuming and this should not be underestimated in the planning stages of the inquiry. An effective, successful report will consider the following elements. • Style and language: The report should be accessible to the main target audiences. Sentences should be short and concise, avoiding superlatives and stereotypes. Recommendations should address the authorities responsible for their implementation and it should be relatively easy to translate them into policies or laws. • Content: All the issues outlined in the terms of reference should be addressed in the report. Findings and conclusions should be firmly based on the evidence received. The report should not only describe facts but also contain an analysis of the issues, the legal framework and any identified shortcomings. A summary report is useful. • Format and timing: The format of the report is important in terms of increasing publicity and impact. Associated resources, such as a summary report, should be considered early in the process. The timing of the report’s release should build upon the interest and momentum created by the inquiry. Follow-up The NHRI should establish a dialogue with the relevant authorities to discuss steps to implement the report’s recommendations. They should also closely monitor any developments related to the inquiry. In 2005, the National Human Rights Commission of Mongolia conducted a year-long public inquiry on torture. The inquiry examined the effectiveness of national legislation, scrutinized procedures and regulations designed to prevent torture and ill-treatment, analysed the factors contributing to illegal actions and developed recommendations to address systemic problems. The inquiry included dialogues with the judiciary, defence attorneys, prosecutors, police officers, citizens and NGO representatives. The Commission organized meetings with around 600 law enforcement officers, collected testimonies from individuals, undertook monitoring visits to prisons and pretrial detention facilities, conducted surveys with 1,400 detainees, held interviews with 100 individuals and received more than 50 complaints. Evidence gathered during the public inquiry, and documented in the inquiry report, served as the basis for the enactment of legislation to prohibit torture. Chapter 11: Public inquiries | 109