Preventing Torture An Operational Guide for National Human Rights Institutions - Updated Edition 4.2.2. Visiting mechanisms in the Americas The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights can carry out country visits to States parties to the Inter-American Convention on Human Rights in order to monitor the general human rights situation in a country or investigate specific cases of human rights violations. In 2004, the Commission established the position of the Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Persons Deprived of Liberty. Since 2019, the mandate of the Office of the Special Rapporteur also includes preventing and combating torture and its name was changed to Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Persons Deprived of Liberty and to Prevent and Combat Torture. The Rapporteur can visit places of deprivation of liberty, issue public reports and recommendations, and undertake follow-up visits. The Rapporteur also develops standards related to deprivation of liberty and can also issue thematic reports on specific issues. 4.2.3. The Special Rapporteur on Prisons and Conditions of Detention in Africa This position was established by the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights in 1996. The Special Rapporteur has the mandate to examine the situation of persons deprived of their liberty within the territories of States Parties to the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights, including through country visits to States Parties, with their consent. After each country visit, the Special Rapporteur issues a public report with recommendations to the State. An annual report of the Special Rapporteur’s activities is also prepared and presented to the Commission. 4.2.4. Contribution of NHRIs to regional visiting bodies NHRIs can provide independent information regarding the situation of torture and ill-treatment in their country on a regular basis to visiting bodies, or in advance of a country visit when this is known. Regional bodies usually meet with NHRIs during their visit. This provides an important opportunity to present recent information and exchange views about particular needs and priorities regarding torture prevention. NHRIs are also uniquely placed to follow-up on the implementation of recommendations made by visiting bodies, provided the reports are published. KEY POINTS: CHAPTER 7 NHRIs can contribute to the effective work of international and regional human rights bodies. They can submit independent and credible information, participate in review procedures, follow up on recommendations and contribute to the work of these bodies in developing relevant standards. Interaction with the following mechanisms is important for the prevention of torture and ill-treatment: • United Nations Human Rights Council, in particular the Universal Periodic Review • Treaty bodies, in particular the Committee against Torture • Special procedures, in particular the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Torture 106