PART II – how does the NMPT work? The powers of the National Mechanism for the Prevention of Torture are laid down in Article 19 of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (hereinafter: OPCAT). Although the primary method of work indicated by OPCAT is the conducting of preventive visits to places of detention, such visits constitute only a part of the process aimed at better treatment of persons deprived of their liberty. In order to prevent torture and inhuman treatment it is also necessary to take other measures including education, training and actions increasing public awareness, as well as advisory activities such as recommendations of changes in law. Educational activities The NMPT regional debates • 2018: 4 regional debates The key objective of the NMPT’s activity should be to influence the system not only “from the top to the bottom” by changing the law, but also through educational measures at the grassroots level. That is why such meetings are so important. Prof. Zbigniew Lasocik In 2018 the National Mechanism for the Prevention of Torture concluded the series of 16 regional debates that were held in the voivodeship (region) capitals. In Łódź, Kielce, Poznań and Warsaw representatives of the NMPT discussed the key issues relating to the operation of places of detention in Poland. The meetings were addressed to representatives of all types of such places, as well as to representatives of public prosecutors’ offices, judges, voivodeship (regional) Report of the Commissioner for Human Rights on the activities of the National Mechanism for the Prevention of Torture in Poland in 2018 13