MONITORING PLACES OF DETENTION : A PRACTICAL GUIDE FOR NGOS 9 FOREWORD Torture and ill treatment of persons deprived of their liberty usually takes place in centres of detention that are inaccessible to any form of public scrutiny. This is the ideal context for torturers to operate with complete impunity. As the UN Special Rapporteur on torture I have advocated, like my two predecessors, that monitoring of places of detention, by suitably qualified independent bodies, is one of the most effective ways of combating the practice of torture and ill treatment. However, the monitoring bodies need to be adequately prepared, skilled and equipped to deal with a very difficult task in often tough conditions. Furthermore, they should be in a position to make recommendations that will be taken seriously and lead to positive improvements in the treatment of detained persons. I welcome this guide of the Association for the Prevention of Torture as it provides a practical tool for anyone intending to visit a place of detention with the intention of preventing torture and ill treatment. The guide provides advice on how to monitor in a manner that enhances effectiveness and gives guidance on issues requiring special attention, such as medical services or protection measures. Moreover, it also explains clearly the different types of monitoring mechanisms and their complementary nature. The manual is also timely as it is appearing just prior to the coming into force of the recently adopted Optional Protocol to the UN Convention against Torture. The preventive bodies envisaged in the Protocol, especially at a national level, will find this guide a very helpful reference book. I therefore sincerely hope that the guide will encourage many States to sign and ratify the Protocol. This important new international initiative promises to have a real impact in saving detained persons from the horrors of torture and ill treatment. 8 March 2004 PROFESSOR THEO VAN BOVEN UN Special Rapporteur on Torture