1.3. The structure supporting the National Preventive Mechanism It was in the first half of 2014 that structure to support the National Preventive Mechanism (EMNP), was implemented with the approval of its regulations(10). The EMNP comprises the following bodies: advisory council, steering committee, visitors’ team and the administrative support. Its composition clearly emphasizes a vocation of plural participation of society, benefiting from the experience and knowledge of all those who are part of this structure. The efforts developed in order to implement the support structure of the NPM meant that the visits to detention facilities started in the second semester of 2014. 1.3.1. The Advisory Council The Advisory Council is the main consultative body of the National Preventive Mechanism and exercises the powers prescribed in Article 7 of the Regulation EMNP, including giving stand out opinion on the annual plan of activities, to present proposals of visits to places of detention and to give opinion on the annual report. The Advisory Council is comprised by 12 members: the Ombudsman, who presides, and 11 other members. The EMNP’s composition reflects the broader scope regarding the social representation of the community, either individually or at a collective title. Accordingly, six of the members were appointed by entities that enjoy themselves an independent status(11) and, in particular, three professional bodies(12). Also part of the advisory council are three personalities of ethical and civic statutes designated by the Ombudsman. Finally, the advisory board is composed by two other members(13) - representing NGO’s that develop relevant activities in the scope of the OPCAT purposes. These two organizations are designated by the other members of the advisory council under the paragraph 3 of Article 5 of the Regulation NPM. The advisory council was set up in 2014 and met for the first time on June 16th of that year. At this meeting(14) were discussed and approved the criteria to be observed in the procedure to designate remaining two members. This procedure was the subject (10)  The Regulation was approved, by the Internal Order No. 1/2014 (NPM), Abril 29th. (11)  The members referred in subparagraphs b) to d), Article 4, paragraph 2 ,of the EMNP Regulation were appointed, respectively, by the Parliamentary Committee for Constitutional Affairs, Rights, Freedoms and Guarantees; by the Supreme Judicial Council and the High Council of the Public Prosecution Service. (12)  These are the members mentioned in subparagraphs e) to g), Article 4, paragraph 2 of the EMNP Regulation designated, respectively, by the Bar Association, by the Medical Association and the Psychologists Association. (13)  Cf. Subparagraph i) paragraph 2, article 4, EMNP Regulation. (14)  In addition to the approval of the Regulation of this body and the favourable opinion on the NPM’s action plan for 2014. The execution of the action plan occurred in the second semester. 10 |