E/CN.4/2004/56/Add.3 page 7 improper burden upon the victim in coming forward him/herself to denounce a violation. Concern has also been expressed over the scarce resources available to implement the Campaign, which allegedly resulted in limited efforts to raise awareness on the significance and importance of fighting torture and a lack of adequately equipped centres with sufficient material and human resources. It is also reported that the Public Prosecutor’s Office (Ministério Público da União) showed significant resistance to processing complaints of torture that it had deemed incomplete because they were anonymous. Furthermore, a training programme for members of the judiciary, public defenders and the Public Prosecutor’s Office, set out as one of the activities of the Campaign, has reportedly not been implemented yet. 24. The Special Rapporteur has also been informed that although the National Plan has been renewed, the protocol that established the commitment to eradicate torture has not received the support of the states. It is reported that only the federal executive branch has endorsed the initiative. 25. On the other hand, in February 2003, the federal Council for the Defence of Human Rights reportedly set up a special committee to identify and follow crimes of torture throughout the country, as well as to make suggestions for the creation of mechanisms that would offer more efficient ways of preventing and repressing those crimes. It also reportedly set up a mobile group to visit police stations, prisons and correctional facilities where torture has been reported. Based on the information collected from victims, witnesses and prison officials, the group would compile reports for the Special Secretary for Human Rights and for the Council. However, according to the information received, this mobile group has so far not been active. The Special Rapporteur would appreciate receiving information on the concrete measures taken and the budget earmarked for the effective implementation of its mandate. 26. The Special Rapporteur has also been informed that in June 2003, a Protocol on Action against Torture was signed by several authorities. Among other activities, the Protocol reportedly proposes workshops to exchange experiences and practices in the fight against torture, with the possibility of examining various aspects relating to the criminology of torture. However, according to the information received, to date, no effective and concrete follow-up actions to seriously fight the practice of torture have been proposed. 27. Concern has also been expressed over a reported project to direct all calls denouncing human rights violations to one central telephone line. In the light of the announced changes, the Special Rapporteur would appreciate receiving information on the measures taken to assure the continuity of the mechanisms to denounce torture, in particular the above-mentioned national hotline. 28. The Special Rapporteur has also been informed that some Brazilian authorities, including the mayor of Rio de Janeiro and the former Secretary for Public Safety for the State of Rio de Janeiro, had made statements that could be interpreted as encouraging public officials to use torture in their fight against crime. 29. In connection with unannounced visits to places of detention by federal and State political authorities, the Special Rapporteur has been informed that no such visits had been made by August 2003 to centres of detention where incidents of torture are believed to be frequent.