Preventing Torture An Operational Guide for National Human Rights Institutions - Updated Edition • measures that States should take to address the risks for persons deprived of liberty and staff in all places of deprivation of liberty; and • measures that NPMs should take to carry out their monitoring work in times of COVID-19. 3. Contribution of non-NPM NHRIs to the Optional Protocol’s bodies Even when NHRIs are not designated as NPMs, they can still make an important contribution to effective implementation of the Optional Protocol. 3.1. Cooperation with the Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture With regard to the Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture, NHRIs can provide credible information regarding the situation of torture and ill-treatment in their country. They can also provide the Subcommittee with independent information on the mandate and functioning of the NPM, as well as on the implementation of recommendations submitted by the NPM. During a country visit, NHRIs should meet with the Subcommittee delegation to present recent information and discuss relevant issues in regard to torture prevention. Insights from practice: The Human Rights Commission of the Philippines (CHRP) helped build national awareness on the OPCAT. During the visit of the Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture to the country in 2015, the Commission organised a national OPCAT awareness workshop for relevant stakeholders and civil society. 3.2. Contact with the NPM NHRIs can play a complementary and supporting role with the organization, or organizations, designated as the NPM. They should establish direct and regular contact with the NPM and, if necessary, assist the NPM to develop its mandate by sharing their experience and methodologies. NHRIs can also assist the NPM in developing effective ways of working with the authorities and establishing a constructive, ongoing dialogue. NHRIs can bring issues of torture and ill-treatment to the attention of the NPM. In those countries where the NHRI also has visiting powers, it should consider sharing information and coordinating its work with the NPM in order to avoid duplication. This could also include carrying out joint visits to 140