CAT/OP/POL/RONPM/1
44.
While noting the high professionalism of many of the members when
conducting interviews with the detainees, the Subcommittee recommends that all
members of the mechanism participate in regular training, including on interviewing
techniques, visiting procedures and skills to detect signs and risks of torture and illtreatment. Such training should be undertaken with a view to developing working
methods and a comprehensive visiting methodology that will highlight institutional
and systematic challenges, including those affecting vulnerable populations in places
where persons are deprived of liberty. Experienced staff members should train other
staff members and external experts on interviewing techniques and should organize
regular internal meetings to discuss working methods and experiences based on visits.
3.
Reporting and follow-up
45.
The reports of the national preventive mechanism are part of the annual reports of
the office of the ombudsperson. However, there needs to be greater awareness of the reports
of the mechanism and, in particular, of the degree to which the recommendations contained
in the reports are implemented. The Subcommittee notes that there is no clear policy
concerning the systematic follow-up and dialogue procedure between the mechanism and
the relevant authorities.
46.
The Subcommittee recommends that the mechanism develop a strategy for
following up on the recommendations contained in its reports and using the report as
a platform for dialogue with the authorities of the place of detention visited as well as
with relevant stakeholders.
47.
The Subcommittee further recommends that the mechanism meet with the
relevant public authorities directly to discuss the implementation of its
recommendations, in accordance with article 22 of the Optional Protocol. Finally, the
mechanism should disseminate its annual reports, including by transmitting them to
the Subcommittee, for the purposes set out in the Optional Protocol.
IV. Final recommendations
48.
In conclusion, the Subcommittee is aware that the national preventive
mechanism of Poland is facing challenges regarding its institutional and structural
framework. It recommends that the mechanism take a proactive attitude and submit
to the authorities a proposal to revise its institutional and structural framework
within the office of the ombudsperson and to submit proposals on how to secure the
necessary human resources, further to a thorough internal evaluation of the level of
financial resources needed to adequately fulfil its mandate under the Optional
Protocol.
49.
In the light of the scarcity of human and financial resources available to the
national preventive mechanism, the Subcommittee recommends that the mechanism
also increase its cooperation with the representatives of civil society organizations and
other stakeholders, such as academia, and regional and international organizations, to
reinforce its capacity. The Subcommittee also recommends that the mechanism
continue to develop its capacity by increasing cooperation with the Subcommittee, as
well as by engaging with other national preventive mechanisms and appropriate
mechanism networks.
50.
The Subcommittee regards its visit and the present report as the beginning of a
constructive dialogue with the national preventive mechanism of Poland. OHCHR 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 Poland and to
make the common goal of prevention a reality.
51.
The Subcommittee recalls that the 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
mechanism to review and strengthen its working methods and to avail itself of training
courses to improve its ability to discharge its responsibilities under the Optional Protocol,
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