Implementation of Duties and Powers of the National Preventive Mechanism in 2010 of which also apply mutatis mutandis to the section in Novo mesto) specifies that “a room, a bed and a wardrobe are determined” for a convict. UIKS explained that ”there were three beds in the room concerned and two convicts were accommodated there, each sleeping in his own bed; one of them moved an empty bed next to his so that he would not fall from the bed”. Without taking any particular position on this explanation, we consider it important that, on the basis of our warning, the convict was requested to return the empty bed to its place. We recommended several time the walls should be repainted (in ZPKZ Maribor, Rogoza Open Prison Section, in the accommodation rooms in the new part, in the room with billiard and table-tennis tables and in the library, in ZPMZ and KZ Celje in at least one of the accommodation rooms, in ZPKZ Ljubljana, Ig Open Prison Section, in the bathroom, in ZPKZ Ljubljana primarily in the accommodation rooms for detention, etc.), using various colours if possible, which would break up monotony of the rooms. It is true that this is difficult to execute in overcrowded institutions, as the rooms need to emptied for painting. In addition to painting, the institutions could pay more attention to the prompt repair of the inventory (replacement of lights, switches and similar). It is encouraging that the institutions had more or less replaced the old furniture with the new, wooden furniture. We observed many inconveniences in relation to the beds used by the imprisoned persons. Having spoken to the management and the imprisoned persons and having seen the accommodation rooms in ZPKZ Dob pri Mirni, we established that the mattresses in use wear out quickly. We pointed out that in its report responding to the visit to ZPKZ Koper in 2009, UIKS guaranteed they would ”in further purchases ensure the provisions of mattresses of differing firmness according to the specific needs of individuals”. As almost two years had passed since then, we asked them to explain what had been done in respect thereof . In relation to the response received from UIKS, it should be emphasised that, because of the remarks by almost all institutions concerning the poor quality of mattresses, it was agreed that tender documentation for a public tender (which was in preparation at the time) should include a technical description of the highest-quality mattress. It remains to be seen whether this will eliminate problems with mattresses for prisoners. In discussions with prisoners there were several complaints concerning windows in their accommodation rooms. It often proved that frames in particular are completely worn out( for example, in ZPKZ Dob pri Mirni, ZPKZ Maribor, ZPKZ Ljubljana, Novo mesto Section), which is very disturbing and unhealthy for a prisoner with a bed next to a window when temperatures are low and there is a cold draught. UIKS also confirmed that this equipment had mostly deteriorated and did not conform to the new standards in terms of thermal insulation and tightness. Unfortunately, this replacement requires a larger maintenance investment and will probably be postponed due to restrictions on the budget of the Republic of Slovenia. All too often, we established that some windows do not have shutters to darken the room (for example in ZPKZ Maribor, Rogoza Open Prison Section, in ZPKZ Ljubljana, Ig Open Prison Section, in ZPKZ Dob pri Mirni, etc.). In such cases, the prisoners usually hang up sheets and towels for this purpose. Since this is not a major expense, it would be right to provide shutters in all rooms accommodating prisoners. It is worrying that at some locations, a separate room for the exclusion of prisoners or isolation rooms are still not satisfactorily arranged (ZPKZ Maribor, Murska Sobota Section, ZPKZ Ljubljana, Novo mesto Section, and ZPKZ Dob pri Mirni), although the DPM has been pointing out this need for several years. Pursuant to the explanations of UIKS, it seems that such investments are always “in the plans for next year”, but are never implemented due to lack of resources. Nevertheless, the DPM always points out that the potential for self-harm in the current conditions (non-coated walls, sharp edges of beds and similar) in relation to the intended use of these rooms is (too) great. 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 15