Part II Preventing torture: NHRIs in action | Section III Acting as a control mechanism Chapter 9: Promoting public awareness Key questions • How can NHRIs engage in effective public education on torture prevention? • What activities can help build public awareness on torture prevention? • What are the advantages of initiating awareness raising activities for persons deprived of their liberty? Legal basis for NHRI involvement Paris Principles Competence and responsibilities 3. A national institution shall, inter alia, have the following responsibilities: g) To publicize human rights (…), by increasing public awareness, especially through information and education and by making use of all press organs. Introduction Promoting community awareness of, and respect for, human rights is one of the core functions of NHRIs. This makes them ideally placed to initiate public education programmes that promote awareness of the prohibition of torture and build community support for the prevention of torture. Public education programmes and awareness-raising campaigns are important because they can influence stakeholders and decision makers and contribute to community-wide attitudinal change. Awareness-raising activities usually have more impact when they are conducted in partnership with others, in particular with civil society, community leaders or other relevant groups. The media are also a crucial partner. Networking and close consultation with these different partners is an important component of any successful public awareness programme. 1. Public education It is obvious that people need to understand what rights they have in order to ensure that those rights are respected by the authorities. However, those who are most vulnerable to torture and ill treatment – for instance, people who are poor, have low education or belong to minority groups – are also those who are least likely to have a proper understanding of their rights. There is a clear need to ensure that people of all backgrounds know their rights. When people are aware of the obligations that the Government and other authorities have to them, and when those obligations are not met, they can be held to account. Chapter 9: Promoting public awareness | 93