A/HRC/34/54 I. Introduction 1. The present report has been prepared pursuant to Human Rights Council resolution 25/13. In an addendum (A/HRC/34/54/Add.3), the Special Rapporteur, who took up his post on 1 November 2016, presents observations made by his predecessor on cases sent to Governments between 1 December 2015 and 31 August 2016. II. Activities relating to the mandate 1. Activities carried out by the former mandate holder 2. From 25 January to 3 February 2016, the Special Rapporteur conducted a factfinding visit to Mauritania. His findings are presented as an addendum to the present report (A/HRC/34/54/Add.1). 3. From 29 April to 7 May, the Special Rapporteur conducted a joint fact-finding visit to Sri Lanka with the Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers. The visit provided a unique opportunity to examine the steps taken towards the implementation of Human Rights Council resolution 30/1 on promoting reconciliation, accountability and human rights in Sri Lanka. His findings are presented as an addendum to the present report (A/HRC/34/54/Add.2). 4. The former Special Rapporteur regretted that his requests for follow-up visits to Mexico and Morocco were not granted. He was unable to conduct a full-fledged follow-up visit to Kyrgyzstan, owing to time constraints. His follow-up report on Mexico is presented as an addendum to the present report (A/HRC/34/54/Add.4). 2. Activities carried out by the current mandate holder 5. On 7 and 8 November 2016, the Special Rapporteur held a series of meetings in Geneva with a view to increasing cooperation and synergies with existing United Nations anti-torture mechanisms from the outset of his tenure. He met with staff of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) supporting the Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment and the United Nations Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture. He also participated in a private plenary meeting with members of the Committee against Torture. The Special Rapporteur met with representatives of permanent missions in Geneva and held a consultation with a large group of Geneva-based civil society organizations active in the fight against torture. 6. On 17 November, the Special Rapporteur participated in the event marking the tenth anniversary of the adoption of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, held in Geneva. He delivered a statement on the triangular relationships between the Optional Protocol, national preventive mechanisms and his mandate. 7. On 24 November, the Special Rapporteur gave a keynote address at the thirtieth anniversary forum of the World Organisation Against Torture, held in Geneva, giving particular emphasis to the vital role of local anti-torture organizations in the fight against torture. 8. From 28 November to 2 December, the Special Rapporteur conducted his first factfinding visit, to Turkey. He expresses his sincere appreciation to the Government of Turkey for the invitation and for the excellent cooperation extended to him and his team throughout the mission. At the end of his official visit, the Special Rapporteur welcomed the 3