non-governmental organizations,17 thematic monitoring was carried out by representatives of the National Preventive Mechanism (Department) and non-governmental organizations in Penitentiary Establishment Nos. 2, 3, 17 and 16. The monitoring results served as basis for drawing up a monitoring report on penitentiary establishments18 by the Human Rights Centre, which was published in 2019. Representatives of non-governmental organizations - Human Rights Centre, Penal Reform International and Rehabilitation Initiative for Vulnerable Groups - carried out monitoring visits within the mandate of the National Preventive Mechanism of the Public Defender of Georgia. Working methodology and trainings for members of the National Preventive Mechanism Consultative Council The purpose of the Consultative Council is to promote the effective operation and transparency of the National Preventive Mechanism. The Council submits an opinion to the Public Defender on the following issues: a) plan of activities to be implemented by the National Preventive Mechanism; B) working methodology; C) thematic research; D) professional trainings for members of the National Preventive Mechanism; E) other strategic documents of the National Preventive Mechanism; F) other issues important for the effective operation of the National Preventive Mechanism. The opinion of the Council is of an advisory nature. Its visiting members assist the National Preventive Mechanism in establishing communication with academia, donor organizations and other stakeholders. In addition to the representatives of the Public Defender's Office, the Council also consists of visiting members, who may be a) a person engaged in educational/academic activities in the field related to the mandate of the National Preventive Mechanism; B) a member of an international organization working in the field of prevention of torture or criminal justice; C) a member of an international nongovernmental organization working in the field of prevention of torture or criminal justice; D) a member of a local non-governmental organization working in the field of prevention of torture or criminal justice.19 The Consultative Council of the National Preventive Mechanism held a meeting on October 31, 2019. Members of the Council received information about the activities implemented and planned by the National Preventive Mechanism. For their part, members of the Council expressed their views and recommendations regarding the activities of the National Preventive Mechanism. 17 Penal Reform International, Rehabilitation Initiative for Vulnerable Groups, Human Rights Centre. The report is available at: < https://bit.ly/2UbHE2v > [last accessed:12.02.20]. 19 Detailed information about the Council can be found at: < https://bit.ly/33EJn3p >[last accessed: 11.02.20]. 18 21