1. The European NPMs: facts, figures and trends Association for the Prevention of Torture Association pour la prévention de la torture Asociación para la prevención de la tortura Strasbourg, 5 November 2009

2. Content of the presentation 1.The OPCAT: an innovative tool to prevent torture 2.Trends of NPMs in the European region 3.Current trends of NPMs in the region

3. 1. The OPCAT: an innovative tool to prevent torture Mandate of the OPCAT preventive bodies -operational function: detention monitoring; regular and unannounced visits to all places of detention -an orientation function: advice, observations and recommendations on legislations and on improving domestic preventive measures

4. 2. OPCAT and NPMs: facts and figures

5. Designated NPMs NPM designation processes in States Parties NPM designation processes in States Signatories

6. 2. NPMs in Europe: facts and figures 26 States Parties 11 Signatories 20 NPMs designated in Europe

7. 3. Current trends of NPMs in the European region a) New body b) National Human Rights Institutions c) National Human Rights plus civil society organisations d) Several bodies

8. 3.a) New body as NPM France, Germany and Liechtenstein Challenges: -Sufficient resources -Long term -Access to all places of detention -Recognition; perception of independence and legitimacy

9. 3 b) National Human Rights Institutions as NPM Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Cyprus, Estonia, Poland and Spain With a preventive unit: Albania, Czech Republic and Georgia Challenges: -Change of approach -OPCAT compliance -Necessary changes: mandate, resources, institutional and working methods -Access to all places of detention

10. 3 c) National Human Rights Institutions plus civil society organisations Denmark, Macedonia (potentially), Moldova and Slovenia Challenges: -Degree of involvement of civil society organisations -Immunities and protection -Independence -Workload -Division of tasks, responsibilities and decision-making

11. 3 d) Several bodies as NPM Malta, United Kingdom NHRIs plus other monitoring bodies: Sweden Challenges: -Coordination -Coverage of all places of detention -Coherence

12. Any questions? Comments?