PP ANNUAL REPORT ON THE PERFORMANCE OF ACTIVITIES OF THE NPM N PM some cases, as inhuman or degrading, constituting a violation of fundamental human rights guaranteed by the Constitution of the Republic of Croatia and numerous international documents. Therefore, it is necessary, regardless of the previously mentioned organisationally aggravating factors, to make permanent and systematic efforts to eradicate torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment and to ensure respect for human rights of persons deprived of their liberty. We are of the opinion that it is necessary to make further efforts to prevent violations of the rights of persons deprived of their liberty and to upgrade protection against torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. In this regard, we particularly emphasise several measures and activities within the authority of relevant ministries. I. Measures and activities under the authority of the Ministry of Justice a) Activities following the Ombudswoman’s requests and recommendations contained in the reports on visits Unfortunately, the current cooperation between the Ombudswoman and the Ministry of Justice and the Central Office of Prison Administration in carrying out NPM work is not satisfactory. As we have already stated, despite the rush notes, we have not been informed about the taken measures upon our recommendations and have not received any data necessary for drawing up our report. In such a way, the Ministry of Justice has not only failed to observe the ANPM and OPCAT but it has also jeopardised the purpose for which the NPM was established. Moreover, in the situation where the Ministry of Justice ignores the Ombudswoman’s requests, it is justified to question the appropriateness of visits. Namely, the purpose of the visits is to highlight irregularities and give recommendations to eliminate violations. If the Ministry ignores the report, a visit becomes an end in itself, which is absolutely wrong. Such a lack of cooperation is even more surprising taking into consideration that until 2012 the Ombudsman, as a rule, assessed cooperation with the Central Office as very successful. b) Reduction of overcrowding in the prison system It is necessary to continue taking measures and conducting activities directed at reducing overcrowding, by building new establishments and ensuring the conditions for enforcing alternative sanctions, or harmonising the Enforcement of Prison Sentences Act with the Criminal Code. 33