© UN/OHCHR Photo KEY CRITERIA FOR AN EFFECTIVE NATIONAL PREVENTIVE MECHANISM “As a matter of principle, I will encourage national authorities to grant National Preventive Mechanisms the necessary independence and unrestricted access to all places where persons may be deprived of their liberty. For there really is no better deterrent to torture than a strong national will to combat and prevent such abhorrent abuse.” Mr. Nils Melzer, Special Rapporteur on Torture The effective functioning of NPMs is a continuing obligation of States parties to the Optional Protocol. The effectiveness of NPMs should be subject to regular assessment by both the State party and the NPM itself, taking into account the views of the SPT. Below are key criteria, which need to be met to ensure the effective functioning of NPMs: uuIndependence (mandate, operational, financial) uuExpert and independent members uuEffective and continuously re-assessed strategy uuFulfilment of key functions 14 I PREVENTING TORTURE: THE ROLE OF NATIONAL PREVENTIVE MECHANISMS – A PRACTICAL GUIDE