the African Commission proceed are discussed step-by-step and are compared with the process likely to develop before the African Human Rights Court. This part then explains the application procedure for each of the sub-regional bodies. Additionally, on-site missions are covered as part of the protective mandate, highlighting instances where torture was investigated or reported on. Part D covers the promotional mandate of the Commission in so far as it is relevant to issues of torture and ill-treatment. Core elements of this discussion are the role of non-governmental organisations (‘NGOs’), the Commission’s public sessions, the significance of promotional visits by Commissioners, the adoption of (non-binding) resolutions, State reporting and the efforts of the Special Rapporteur on Prisons and Conditions of Detention in Africa. The emphasis on promotion, born from a context of denial of and ignorance about human rights as well as poverty and illiteracy, distinguishes the African human rights system from other regional systems. The target audience of this publication is, generally, anyone concerned about torture in Africa and, specifically, civil society organisations and NGOs operating in Africa. As stated in the preface to this volume, Africa’s era of democratisation has opened a space in which NGOs are able to operate more freely and to greater effect. When understood and used properly, the African human rights system can be a highly effective tool in combating the implementation gap that currently exists in many African countries. As such, the role and responsibility of civil society organisations in addressing torture is now greater than ever before. 9