ADDRESSING VULNERABILITIES OF LGBT PERSONS IN DETENTION "focal point" helps demonstrate the importance an NPM attaches to the issue of sexual diversity, and promotes a message of openness and non-discrimination to the outside world. Recognising their importance, the SPT has designated one of its members as a "focal point" to deal with LGBT issues. Brazil: The added value of having a transgender person in the monitoring team According to Maria Clara De Sena, a transgender women member of the local preventive mechanism in the State of Pernambuco, the inclusion of a transgender person in the monitoring team represents a clear added value, especially in a region characterised by a high level of violence against LGBT persons. It not only sends a strong message against discrimination to the authorities, detainees and the public in general, but also allows for a more thorough analysis of the situation of transgender people in places of detention. Argentina: Creation of a “gender and sexual diversity” team In order to better prevent abuse against women and LGBT persons in detention, the Argentine Ombudsman for Federal Prisons (part of the NPM) has set up a permanent team to deal with the issue of gender and sexual diversity. Through exchanges with civil society and other experts in this field, the "gender and sexual diversity" team has developed a broad knowledge of the topic. It conducts monitoring visits focused on the difficulties faced by LGBT people in detention and publishes reports and specific recommendations. The existence of this team has also allowed the detainees concerned to identify external bodies engaged in the protection of their basic rights. Beyond preventive visits Reports It is up to each NPM to decide how to integrate information on the situation of LGBT persons in the institutions it visits, based on its strategic goals, the relevance of observed problems, and respect 25