-15 etc. are intrinsically tied together, influencing each other dynamically. Such a relational view of the social world counteracts the general tendency to focus on single events, situations and actors. This view also helps to deepen the analysis of problems, which, systemically, “are not objects, but processes that comprise interaction and communication”20 between different (groups of) actors. Systemic consulting practice has developed a set of questions that help explore the different dimensions of a problem including the perceptions and interests of different actors involved – and help identify entry points for possible solutions. Application of the principle in preventive monitoring This principle urges preventive monitors to specifically look at the relational dynamics behind a problem they encounter. Two examples should serve to illustrate this: Often, monitoring reports spend a great detail on describing the deficits of different actors but less on the relationships between them. However, it is often the relationships between actors that contribute to the continuation of problems, e.g. cases of torture not being effectively investigated because of faulty relationships between police, prosecutors, judges. And solutions may lie rather in improving their cooperation than focusing on each of these actors individually, ignoring their relationships. Another example comes from a deep-seated structural problem in Austria, the long lock-up hours in prisons and its negative consequences on human rights.21 The problem might best be understood by looking at the processes and interests behind it. The long lock-up hours were the result of a successful action for better working hours by the prison staff union in the 1990ies. This led to a shortening of “day time” in prison to around 15.00, when night shift starts. Despite the CPT’s and the NPM’s recommendations to increase the staffing levels, to change the staff shift system and to change the approach of staff to their duties on the wings, the situation has not improved. This would require a deeper look into the dynamics behind this 20. Arist von Schlippe and Jochen Schweitzer, Systemic Interventions (Vandenhoeck&Ruprecht 2015) 54 [hereinafter: Schlippe/Schweitzer]. 21. For a succinct description see European Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT) ‘Report on the Visit to Austria’ (2010) CPT/Inf (2010) 5, para. 71 [hereinafter: CPT/Inf (2010) 5]. Systemic Thinking in Preventive Human Rights Monitoring