Proposals and recommendations Based on the analysis of the activities of the newly established Azerbaijani NPM, it can be noted that within a short time period dynamic work has been performed, positive experience have been gained, as well as a serious turnabout has been observed in the approach to the investigation of any allegations of torture in the country. As such, the following accomplishments have been recorded as a result of the mentioned activities: - positive changes in the attitudes, as well as in the behaviour of police officers and the employees of the penitentiary service; - improvement of the conditions, treatment and services in the establishments falling under the jurisdiction of the NPM; - raising awareness of civil society, NGOs, as well as persons deprived of their liberty through regularly disseminated press releases and other information; - increasing transparency in relevant bodies, as well as punishment of the employees who have resorted to violence by bringing them to criminal or administrative responsibility. As a result of the activities, visits carried out after the Commissioner was designated as an NPM, consideration of the applications and complaints received by her, numerous discussions and consultations held, summarization of the proposals received from various governmental bodies and international organizations, as well as the comprehensive scientific and analytical analysis conducted through learning best practices in this field, the following proposals and recommendations are made in order to improve and coordinate the activities aimed at revealing, investigating and preventing torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment in the country, as well as to more effectively organize the work of the NPM: A) For improving legislation 1) Enhance the sanction provided by the CAO for the interference with the legitimate activities of the Commissioner, as well as specify 109