Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture, or the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights; provided for in article 22 of the Convention; On 28 January 2009, Azerbaijan acceded to the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment; 2009. On 13 January, the Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) was appointed as the NPM. The Ombudsman held discussions with representatives of different sate bodies, NGOs, international organizations and media and established a list of more than 200 institutions where people are deprived of their liberty. The NPM conducts regular visits to all institutions, without previous notification. A/HRC/13/39/Add.6 12 Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment and ratifying the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR);