PP N PM ANNUAL REPORT ON THE PERFORMANCE OF ACTIVITIES OF THE NPM 5. CONCLUSION Bearing in mind that the respect of human rights, pursuant to Article 3 of the Constitution of the Republic of Croatia, is one of the highest values of the constitutional order, as well as the fact that the Republic of Croatia had signed and ratified the Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment or Punishment, the Croatian Parliament in January 2011 adopted the Act on National Preventive Mechanisms Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. According to this Act, the activities of the NPM are carried out by the Ombudsman. In the performance of these activities, two representatives from the academic community and two representatives from non-governmental organisations for the performance of activities in the area of the protection of human rights also participate. Since July of 2012, when the activities of the NPM began, and until the end of December 2012, the Ombudsman undertook a series of activities aimed at enabling the NPM to successfully perform its activities: a webpage in two languages was launched where news on the activities of the NPM are regularly presented, international cooperation was established, and promotional materials were published aimed at informing persons deprived of their liberty of their rights and the competences of the NPM. In addition, seven visits to places where persons deprived of their liberty are placed were organised (three under the authority of the Ministry of Justice, two under the authority of the Ministry of the Interior and two under the authority of the Ministry of Social Policy and Youth). During these visits, no cases of torture were established. However, cases containing elements of inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment were found. After the visits, reports with recommendations were drawn up and submitted to the institutions and bodies which had been visited, as well as to the bodies which are authorised for their supervision. Cooperation with the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Social Policy and Youth is assessed as being very successful because these ministries took measures based on the received recommendations. In contrast, cooperation with the Ministry of Justice is assessed as very bad because this ministry has not taken any measures based on the recommendations, and the Ombudswoman has not received the requested data. Therefore, the establishment of successful cooperation will be one of our priorities in the following period. In addition, it is necessary to continue taking measures and conducting activities aimed at preventing any form of violation of fundamental human rights of persons deprived of their liberty. We primarily think of improving accommodation conditions, upgrading the quality of health protection of persons deprived of their liberty, but also of legislative activities aimed at clearly defining the position and treatment of such persons. The mandate of the newly elected Ombudswoman brings new tasks and a larger volume of 36