2.4.2 Eastern Europe The existence of full and sustained engagement by both the government and NGOs was noted by field operations as a key factor leading to anti-torture work being given a relatively high priority in one country in the region, Moldova. Where relatively conducive conditions exist on the ground, there is clearly a greater potential for OSCE field operations to be actively involved in anti-torture efforts. Instrumental to this active involvement was the acknowledgement by the authorities of the existence of torture and ill-treatment and a degree of political will to tackle the problem. This political will is often manifested in ratification of OPCAT and subsequent steps by governments towards implementation, including, in particular, work done in consultation with international experts and NGOs on draft legislation to establish an NPM. As in Central Asia, OSCE offices in Eastern Europe sometimes represent the only long-term international “in-country” presence and report that they are seen as important partners in torture-prevention activity. This fact is attested to by other international organizations. Notably, several countries in the region have received regular visits from the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, something that has undoubtedly also contributed to the momentum for reform. Finally, the presence of a number of local NGOs focusing on anti-torture issues, dealing with such matters as individual complaints, detention centre monitoring and training, was identified as an important factor. One field operation, in Moldova, identified the taking of a comprehensive approach as a major factor in their role in anti-torture work. Activities assisted with or implemented by the field operation cover a wide area, including the facilitation of conferences and meetings; visiting detention centres (both by the field operations directly and in support of other bodies); dealing with individual complaints; training; providing expert comment on relevant legislation (in the context of OPCAT implementation in particular); and dialogue with national authorities, including intervention at the political level, if required. The effectiveness of detention centre monitoring, in particular, was underlined as a key element in positively influencing the authorities to investigate and punish torture and ill-treatment. All field operations said that they viewed a long-term approach to activities as an essential component of an effective strategy. Seminars and meetings on preventing torture have not, for example, been ad hoc events but, instead, linked to further steps such as meetings, proposals for legislative reform and lobbying for new legislation to achieve conformity with international standards. Activities have also been carried out in co-operation and co-ordination with relevant international and national NGOs and governmental bodies. In one country in the region, Ukraine, the field operation has focused on support for national monitoring of places of detention by police and has implemented a project in co-operation with the Interior Ministry. Mobile groups to monitor police and pre-trial detention facilities were established across the country and training on visiting practices and reporting forms were standardized to ensure a coherent approach. A website for the groups was also created with the support of the OSCE field operation 17