The activities of the NPM are very much characterised by the fact that it does not (only) document deficiencies, but works very intensively to find solutions. This is the reason why the NPM sometimes does not conclude the investigative proceedings that follow the transmission of the commissions’ reports for some time (sometimes not until the following year). The commissions address structural deficiencies and those specific to the institution or facility on the spot and suggest measures to be taken. The reports are then assessed and the competent supervisory authorities or institutions/facilities are confronted with the criticisms. Then solutions are developed. In 272 cases, the NPM objected to the situation for human rights reasons. As the commissions regularly address multiple criticisms during their visits, the NPM has made numerous recommendations; the most important of these recommendations are presented in the following (see pp. 25 et seq.). Monitoring statistics 2014 Total 1.3 Criticisms No criticisms Still open 272 110 46 Budget In 2014, a budget of EUR 1,450,000 was available to remunerate the heads and members of the commissions as well as the members of the Human Rights Advisory Council. This also included travel expenses, as well as compensation for preparing for and following up on visits. On top of this, additional expenses resulting from the OPCAT implementation are covered by this budget, such as cooperation with the SPT, annual reporting, training, participation in evaluation proceedings with respect to the enactment of legislation and the special duty of informing the general public and cooperating with the scientific community and academia. Also a comprehensive database was set up and is constantly maintained with the view of facilitating the sharing of information and knowledge among the commissions and the AOB. As far as cost accounting is concerned, the NPM is a separate cost unit dedicated exclusively to NPM activities. The use of resources allocated to the work of the NPM is determined by the members of the AOB in consultation with the six commissions. As a consequence, full 10