-28 Application of the principle in preventive monitoring This principle touches upon the core of the self-understanding of monitors. It helps put monitoring in a realistic perspective and, at the same time, enhances the prospect of successful interventions. Many monitors share the following experience: despite of all their efforts, change is elusive or, at least, does not happen quickly. This might easily lead to frustration or resignation. Keeping the ‘autonomous nature’ of systems in mind can bring an immense relief as it takes away the pressure of having to achieve immediate change, a wish all too understandable in the light of the suffering which preventive monitors confront. At the same time, this principle asks monitors to improve strategic thinking, carefully plan change interventions, and act in order to observe and identify short-term ‘windows of opportunity’ to achieve change on the mid- and long-term. This principle is particularly relevant when elaborating recommendations and devising strategic follow-up actions. Helpful and practical approaches to strategic work in these areas are found in the publications of the Ludwig Boltzmann Institute of Human Rights/Bristol University Human Rights Implementation Center47 and the APT.48 Questions for monitors • • To which extent is the elaboration of recommendations part of a mid- and longer-term strategy (or ‘pathway of change’)? • How does the follow-up strategy ensure that priority areas with possible ‘high leverage’ are identified? How is high leverage for change identified? • In which way do monitors consciously look for possible ‘windows of opportunity’ for achieving the desired change and how are these acted upon? • What follow-up tools other than visits are being used by monitors/ the NPM (e.g. meetings with authorities etc.)? 47. See BIM/HRIC, 101 et seq. 48. APT, Strategies.