Section one Introduction Context standards and norms on solitary confinement to policy and practice, looking specifically at how segregation, separation and seclusion in places of detention may undermine these standards • the recognition and monitoring of ‘de facto’ detention as relevant to the OPCAT mandate in the UK, and calling for effective processes to be in place to prevent abuse where it occurs • protecting prisoners and detainees from reprisals or sanctions for cooperating with any part of the NPM • ensuring that the treatment of children adheres to the Convention on the Rights of the Child wherever they are held. In each of these areas we will look to establish common understanding, joint working where appropriate and comment on policy and proposed legislation in accordance with OPCAT Article 19 (c). custody inspections and the second year of overseas escorts monitoring revealed some embedded bad practice that had become established in the previous absence of systematic inspection and monitoring. In 2013–14 we will work to identify and address any other type of detention that is not subject to independent statutory visiting. In April 2014 the NPM will mark the five year anniversary of its designation in the UK. We look forward to working with all NPM members and others concerned with the prevention of cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment of those in detention, to reflect on the progress that has been made in this initial period and consult on our future priorities. The need to ensure the NPM’s work is comprehensive, and that all places of detention receive regular preventive visits, was underlined by the revelation of horrific abuse at the Winterbourne View Hospital for young adults with learning difficulties in 2011 and 2012 and the failure of the preventive mechanisms in place at that time. The start of court Nick Hardwick Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Prisons 7