8 The Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture (OPCAT) The Optional Protocol to the UN’s Convention against Torture aims to prevent torture and inhu­ man treatment of people deprived of their liberty. The Optional Protocol was adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2002, and it came into force in 2006. Central to the protocol is the understanding that people who are deprived of their liberty find themselves in a particularly vulnerable situation and face an increased risk of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. States that endorse the Optional Protocol are obliged to establish or appoint one or several Na­ tional Preventive Mechanisms (NPMs) to regularly carry out visits to places where people are or may be deprived of their liberty, to strengthen their protection against torture and inhuman treatment. The NPMs can make recommendations that high­ light risk factors for violations of integrity. They can also submit proposals and comments concerning existing or draft legislation. NORWEGIAN PARLIAMENTARY OMBUDSMAN National Preventive Mechanism ANNUAL REPORT 2020 The NPMs must be independent of the authorities and places of detention, have the resources they require at their disposal and have staff with the necessary competence and expertise. The Optional Protocol has also established an international prevention committee that works in parallel with the preventive mechanisms, the UN Subcommittee on the Prevention of Torture (SPT). The SPT can visit all places of detention in the states that have endorsed the Optional Protocol. The SPT’s mandate also includes providing advice and guidance to the National Preventive Mechanisms. — The NPMs must be independent of the authorities and places of detention, have the resources they require at their disposal and staff with necessary competence and expertise. —