The emphasis is thus not solely on observing deficiencies — threats, maladministration or the violation of human rights — but above all on finding solutions. The subject matter of this report are also concrete recommendations that are intended to be considered as a type of good practice guideline for guaranteeing human rights standards. They should also accentuate that the objective of the preventive work of the Austrian NPM, i.e. to make inhuman and degrading treatment of persons as unlikely as possible, is not merely a political demand but can also be realised with commitment, the right expertise and the framework waiting to be created by the competent politicians. The work results documented in this report are possible due to the dedication of many people whom we would like to thank. These include the heads of the commissions and all of their members who, with their commitment and expertise, detect and show ways of preventing threats. The Human Rights Advisory Council also deserves our thanks for its support as an advisory body of the NPM. We would also like to extend our sincere gratitude to all of the staff who, with their daily work, contribute significantly to making the protection of human rights a reality. This report will also be sent to the UN Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture (SPT). Günther Kräuter Gertrude Brinek Vienna, August 2018 Peter Fichtenbauer