1 AUTHORIZATIONS AND ACTIVITIES OF THE NATIONAL PREVENTIVE MECHANISM Mandate and competencies of the National Preventive Mechanism The National Preventive Mechanism derives its mandate and competencies from the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment and from the Law on the Ombudsman. Pursuant to the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OPCAT), the National Preventive Mechanism has a competence: 1. to regularly examine the treatment towards persons deprived of liberty in places of deprivation of liberty as defined in Article 4, in order to strengthen, if necessary, their protection from torture and other forms of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment; 2. to make recommendations to the relevant authorities for the purpose of improving the treatment and conditions of persons deprived of their freedom and preventing torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, taking into consideration the relevant United Nations norms; 3. to submit proposals and observations regarding the existing or the draft legislation. www. ombudsman.mk 13