Implementation of Duties and Powers of the National Preventive Mechanism in 2010 After each visit, the DPM prepares an exhaustive report on its findings, which also covers proposals or recommendations for the elimination of irregularities and for the improvement of the situation, including measures to reduce potential for improper treatment in the future. In preparing the report, each member of the visiting group makes a brief written contribution. The Ombudsman’s representative is usually responsible for the final report, or, by agreement, a participating person from a selected non-governmental organisation. An inspection report includes all circumstances related to providing and respecting physical and mental integrity and human dignity throughout the period of incarceration. Also in 2010, the main theme of each visit report was respect for the prohibition of torture and the inhumane or degrading treatment of persons deprived of liberty.Our recommendations primarily relate to the physical conditions in institutions where persons deprived of liberty are or could be accommodated (such as potential overcrowding, cell/room size, light, ventilation, cleanliness, food, etc.) and in cases of untried prisoners and prisoners, to arranging detention and prison sentences (such as options of work, education, other leisure activities, contact with the outside world: visits, phone calls, benefits), the efficiency of appeal proceedings, accessibility of judicial protection and health care, and information on rights, etc. The activities of the DPM, based on regular visits to places of incarceration, make it an extrajudicial means of prevention in the field of protecting persons deprived of liberty from torture and other forms of cruel, inhumane or degrading treatment or punishment. The recommendations of the DPM based on the findings of visits to individual institutions are the main aims of visits. However, the DPM has no special (executive) means to implement recommendations to improve conditions and the treatment of persons deprived of liberty. Implementing DPM recommendations is a commitment of the State Party to the Optional Protocol, the competent authorities of which must (according to Article 22) address the recommendations of the DPM and establish a dialogue with it on potential measures to implement their recommendations. Also in 2010, we had no difficulties in visiting incarceration facilities. We observe that prisons and police offices in particular are well-informed of the duties and powers of the DPM, and cooperation with the Prison Administration (UIKS), or the Ministry of Justice (MP), respectively, and the Ministry of the Interior (MNZ) in this field was exemplary. However, we would like better cooperation with the Ministry of Health(MZ), or the Expanded Professional Board of Psychiatry at this ministry, the Ministry of Labour, Family and Social Affairs (MDDSZ) and the Ministry of Education and Sport (MŠ), and we would especially like them to respond to our recommendations concerning visits to institutions within their field of work. The realisation of DPM recommendations to improve the conditions and treatment of persons deprived of liberty, and the prevention of torture and other forms of cruel, inhumane, degrading treatment or punishment are indicated in the following sections, where the main findings of our visits, recommendations and responses are presented. We note that the institutions visited and the superior bodies generally accept our findings and have raised no objections, but the realisation of our recommendations varies considerably. Some are implemented very quickly, while others require systemic changes, so they are not expected to be realised in the short-term. Nevertheless, we will continue to insist on their implementation. National Preventive Mechanism in the Republic of Slovenia under the Optional Protocol to the UN Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment 9