torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment is to visit places of detention in order to prevent those detained from being subjected to torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment. The SPT has 25 independent members who are all experts in areas of relevance to the prevention of torture. These members are appointed by the states that are bound by OPCAT. An annual schedule sets out which countries are to be visited by the SPT. Sweden was the first country to be visited by the SPT. The idea of independent bodies visiting places where persons may be deprived of their liberty gained an impact in Europe before OPCAT was adopted. The European Convention for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment had already entered into force in 1989. This convention established the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT), the principal task of which is to conduct regular visits to institutions in Europe at which persons deprived of their liberty are being held. All 47 of the Council of Europe’s member states have ratified this convention. Swedish authorities are obliged to cooperate with the SPT and the CPT (see the Act [1988:695] on certain international undertakings against torture etc.). Focus of the work The work pursuant to OPCAT shall be undertaken with a view to strengthening, if necessary, the protection of persons deprived of their liberty against torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.10 Prevention can be conducted in several ways. Prohibiting the acts and prosecuting those guilty of abuses may be assumed to have some effect. Another way is to supervise and monitor the environments and situations in which there is a very high risk of abuse and violations, i.e. in connection with the deprivation of liberty. Prevention involves identifying and analysing factors that may directly or indirectly increase or decrease the risk of torture and other forms of ill treatment. It also aims to systematically reduce or eliminate risk factors and to strengthen preventive factors and protection mechanisms. This work is to be proactive. It is also to have a long-range perspective and a focus on bringing about improvements through constructive dialogue, proposals for protective mechanisms and other measures. 10 Article 4(1) OPCAT SPT report The first country to be visited by the SPT was Sweden in 2008. The report with recommendations is available at www.ohchr.org 13