E/CN.4/1989/15 page 3 Latin American Group, and 13 to the Western European Group and other States. The first reports under article 19 of the Convention have been submitted to the Committee against Torture. The Special Rapporteur has noted with appreciation that some Governments have provided him with a copy of their report, thereby complying with the request made in his report of last year. 10. The entry into force of the European Convention for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment on 1 February 1988 is of paramount importance. In previous reports, the Special Rapporteur has emphasized the importance of a system of periodic visits by independent experts to places of detention and has called it one of the best preventive measures against torture. With the entry into force of the European Convention, useful experience can be gained which may make it easier to consider the question whether and under which conditions the introduction of such a system of periodic visits can also be envisaged in other regions or on a world-wide level.