PP ANNUAL REPORT ON THE PERFORMANCE OF ACTIVITIES OF THE NPM N PM work but it also implies the need for additional capacities so that all its activities can be performed regularly and in a high-quality way. Although, upon the entry into force of the ANPM, the Ombudsman’s powers expanded and the affairs from within his competences are more comprehensive, no new staff members have been employed for the work of the NPM. In July 2012, the Ombudsman rendered a decision on authorising two Ombudsman’s advisers to carry out the activities of the NPM in addition to what had been their previous tasks. Since regular visits are the basis of the work of the NPM, the performance of their previous tasks was thus jeopardised. Therefore, a compromise was made, whereby the tasks from the typical Ombudsman’s authority and those belonging to the NPM both “suffer” to some extent. Since the purpose of both these groups of tasks is the protection of fundamental human rights and freedoms, such compromised solutions are not acceptable. Namely, taking into account the activities of the NPM, the number of locations where persons deprived of their liberty are placed, the number of persons who work on their protection and the organisation of the NPM in other countries, we shall certainly need additional staff. The procedure of adopting a new Ordinance on the Ombudswoman’s work is in the process of being adopted according to which a special service for persons deprived of their liberty and for the NPM will be organised. This will additionally upgrade the activities of the NPM. In the State Budget of the Republic of Croatia for 2012, around 62,320 Euro was allocated for the work of the NPM. These funds were designated for business trips, office materials, promotion and information activities, intellectual and personal services, computer services, telecommunication, post and transport services and the purchase of a car. Due to the fact that the NPM started its operation only in July and because, due to the insufficient capacity of the Ombudsman’s Office, it was not possible to organise more frequent visits, the allocated funds sufficed. However, if we take into account that a public competition is underway to employ another staff member who will do the NPM work, it is justified to say that there will be more visits in the future. This will require the allocation of additional funding, since pursuant to Article 18 of OPCAT, State Parties are responsible for the provision of funds necessary for the functioning of the NPM. By increasing the capacity and ensuring the necessary financial means, not only will the regularity of visits and the promptness of drawing up reports and recommendations be guaranteed, but so will the possibility of supervision visits and analysing the existing legislative framework. This will contribute to enhanced protection against torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. Therefore, it is justified to conclude that the Republic of Croatia is undertaking a number of activities aimed at preventing torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. However, further efforts must permanently be made to upgrade the weakest parts of the system. If only a single person in the Republic of Croatia is exposed to what is most certainly the gravest violations of human rights, we cannot say that we are satisfied. We must persist in creating the conditions and the environment in which all rights and 37