Contents
Acknowledgement
04
Section 1: Introduction to National Human Rights Institutions as NPMs
05
Section 2: Institutional Development
07
Topic 2.1: Internal Rules
Topic 2.2: Strategy and Planning
What is strategic and operational planning for NPMs?
08
Why is planning important for NPMs?
08
Who should be involved in NPM planning processes?
08
Key elements of a strategic plan
08
Key elements of an operational plan
08
How to develop a strategic plan
09
How to develop an operational plan
09
When to develop plans
09
How to evaluate the strategy
09
Topic 2.3: Profile and skills of NPM members and staff
09
What professional expertise is required for NPM members and staff?
09
What are the other key considerations for the designation of members and staff of an NPM?
10
Which skills and other requirements should NPM members and staff have?
10
What do independence and impartiality mean for NPM members and staff?
11
Which situations could represent a conflict of interest?
11
Can seconded state officials or civil servants work for NPMs?
11
Topic 2.4: Working with external experts
12
Which requirements should external experts meet?
12
What is the status of external experts (rights and obligations)?
12
What is the role of external experts?
12
What are the different modalities of working with external experts?
12
Section 3: Activities of the NPM
Topic 3.1: Visits to places of detention – strategic considerations
14
14
What is a “preventive” visit?
14
What are the different “types” of visits?
15
Where and when should the NPM’s first visit be conducted?
15
How many visits should be conducted every year?
15
Should NPMs conduct both announced and unannounced visits?
16
How to conduct a preventive visit?
16
What is the “average length” of a preventive visit?
16
Topic 3.2: Handling complaints
2
07
08
18
What challenges do complaints raise for the NPM’s preventive mandate?
18
How could NPMs handle expectations regarding complaints?
18
What are the synergies between complaints and the NPM’s preventive mandate?
19
What internal procedures should NPMs put in place to receive and handle complaints?
19
NPM Toolkit for Asia Pacific NPM-NHRIs