CAT/OP/6/Rev.1 Follow-up 25. The Subcommittee may, if appropriate, request the United Nations resident coordinator, the United Nations country team, United Nations agencies, peacekeeping operations or any other appropriate agency or representation, to raise issues relating to intimidation or reprisals before the Human Rights Council and other political bodies of the United Nations, requesting them to take steps in support of individuals or groups who have been intimidated or are at risk of reprisal for seeking to cooperate or cooperating with the Subcommittee. IV. Operational practice relating to visits Communications, reports and follow-up requests 26. When appropriate, the Subcommittee, in its communications, reports and follow-up requests, will require States parties to take the measures necessary to protect individuals and groups from intimidation or reprisals. 27. Prior to conducting a visit, in pursuance of the present policy, the Subcommittee implements the following measures: (a) At the same time as the Subcommittee notifies States parties of its programme (see art. 13 (2) of the Optional Protocol), it will also communicate to them the present policy document. States parties are requested to bring the policy to the attention of all those with whom the Subcommittee may come into contact during the course of or after its visit; (b) During the preparations for its visit or mission, the Subcommittee will examine all available information from relevant sources in relation to the occurrence of reprisals in the country to be visited; (c) The Subcommittee delegation will appoint one of its members to be its focal point on reprisals; (d) If the issue of potential reprisals becomes a matter of concern, the Subcommittee may write to the State party, request a meeting with the State party’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva, or contact the State party in any other appropriate manner, in order to alert it to the Subcommittee’s concern; (e) The Subcommittee will prepare a short information sheet on reprisals for distribution during the visit. 28. During a visit, if the Subcommittee becomes aware that an individual or group fears intimidation or reprisals, that there is a risk of intimidation or reprisals, or that there has been an occurrence of intimidation or reprisals, it will take the measures it considers to be appropriate and effective in the circumstances, which may include: (a) Bringing the concern to the immediate attention of the appropriate government authorities; (b) Raising the issue with the officials in charge of facilities that hold persons who are deprived of their liberty; (c) Returning to facilities previously visited; (d) At the conclusion of the visit, reiterating its concerns in the final debriefing with the authorities; 5