Preventing Torture An Operational Guide for National Human Rights Institutions - Updated Edition In 2015, the Malaysian NHRI SUHAKAM, together with national civil society organisations launched a public campaign called ACT4CAT for the ratification of the UN Convention against Torture. As part of the campaign, it created a Facebook page and a specific hashtag to increase outreach to the public. In addition, it launched a comic and artwork collection called ‘Cartoonists against torture’. 3. Raising awareness among persons deprived of their liberty NHRIs can also consider running education programmes that provide information to persons deprived of their liberty and those who are most at risk of torture or ill-treatment. This could include information about existing guarantees and procedures, as well as rights during arrest, interrogation and in detention. It may also include information about contacting the NHRI or making a complaint. This information could be distributed through: • leaflets or booklets on the rights of prisoners • pocket cards on the rights of inmates • posters displayed in police stations and prisons KEY POINTS: CHAPTER 9 • Educating the general public about the prohibition and prevention of torture is an important preventive action. • Educational programmes can focus on persons deprived of liberty and those who are most at risk of torture and ill-treatment. • Awareness-raising campaigns can help shape public opinion about the issue and provide important momentum for change. • NHRIs should mainstream gender in public education activities on torture prevention. Specialised actions might be needed to address gendered forms of torture or other ill-treatment. FURTHER READING Human Rights Education: A Manual for National Human Rights Institutions; APF; revised 2019 From Planning to Impact: A Manual on Human Rights Training Methodology; Professional Training Series No. 6/Rev.1; OHCHR; revised 2019 128