CAT/OP/KGZ/2 annual reports, irrespective of whether they have been heard by the parliament. For instance, the mechanism could release its annual reports, noting that the report is due to be heard by the parliament on a set date. IV. Next steps 86. The Subcommittee commends the national preventive mechanism for its will, and its dedication to the goal of preventing torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. It also notes that the law on the mechanism is rather solid, and recommends that the mechanism focus on its internal working methods and practices, following the recommendations of the Subcommittee in the present report. 87. As indicated in the present report, it is of significant importance that the national preventive mechanism ensure that its preventive mandate is well understood both by staff of the mechanism and by members of the coordination council. This entails identifying the dos and don’ts under the mandate of the mechanism, as well as shortcomings and training needs in aspects such as strategic planning, methodology and working methods, including a strategy in the areas of confidentiality and reprisals and the protocols necessary for prompt implementation. 88. The Subcommittee reiterates that the national preventive mechanism should use the independence granted to it under the Optional Protocol and national legislation. It is for the mechanism to lead the cause of prevention of torture in places of deprivation of liberty and to assist Kyrgyzstan in fulfilling its obligations under the Optional Protocol. 19 In this regard, the mechanism should not hesitate to publicly advocate in support of its mandate where confronted with obstacles, and clarify misunderstandings and misleading expectations among authorities when such authorities are assessing the utility of having a national preventive mechanism in Kyrgyzstan. 89. The Subcommittee also recommends that the national preventive mechanism increase its international cooperation with other such mechanisms in order to reinforce its capacities, share information and practices and develop its working methods so as to improve its ability to discharge adequately its responsibilities under the Optional Protocol. 90. The Subcommittee regards its visit and the present report as the continuation of a constructive dialogue with the national preventive mechanism of Kyrgyzstan. It notes that the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights stands ready to provide technical assistance and advice to the mechanism to reinforce its capacity to prevent torture and ill-treatment in all places of deprivation of liberty in the State party and to make the common goal of prevention a reality. 91. The Subcommittee recalls that prevention of torture constitutes an ongoing and wide-ranging obligation of the State party, the likelihood of whose achievement is greatly enhanced by an efficient national preventive mechanism. The Subcommittee encourages the national prevention mechanism to review and strengthen its working methods and to ensure that members avail themselves of training courses to improve their ability to discharge the mechanism’s responsibilities under the Optional Protocol, including through assistance from the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in following up on the recommendations in the present report. 92. The Subcommittee also encourages the national preventive mechanism to transmit its annual reports to the Subcommittee, and reaffirms its readiness to help in achieving the shared aims of preventing torture and ill-treatment and ensuring that commitments are translated into action. 19 Articles 5 and 6 of the law on the national preventive mechanism. 15