Introduction: the concept of torture prevention and its application Finally, the media and civil society organizations can contribute to an effective system of checks and balances to prevent and prohibit torture. Responsible media reporting, public education campaigns and targeted awareness-raising initiatives can build greater knowledge and understanding of the issues, influence public opinion and help change the attitudes of stakeholders and decision makers. Civil society organisations play a fundamental oversight role, by monitoring state policies and practices, including through visits to places of detention. 2. The relevance of torture prevention to NHRIs NHRIs are usually ideally placed to contribute at each level of an integrated strategy to prevent torture and ill-treatment in their country. NHRIs can contribute to the development of an effective legal framework by: • encouraging the State to ratify relevant international human rights treaties • advocating for legal reforms to make torture a criminal offence and to prevent its use by public officials. NHRIs play a key role in bridging the gap between law and practice. They can contribute to implementation of the legal framework by: • reviewing detention procedures • investigating allegations of torture • contributing to training programmes for relevant public officials. NHRIs can contribute to, and act as, control mechanisms by: • cooperating with international bodies • monitoring places of detention • promoting public awareness. 3. Integrating gender in torture prevention work It is important for NHRIs to adopt a gender-sensitive and intersectional approach in their torture prevention work. NHRIs can do this through gender mainstreaming and specialised action. Gender mainstreaming can be defined as a “process to assess gender implications across all activities of an organisation followed by action taken to achieve gender equality and ensure gender inequality is not perpetuated. Its goal is to achieve gender equality; equal rights, responsibilities and opportunities for people of all genders”.17 Achieving equality often means treating people differently and gender mainstreaming therefore necessitates addressing the experiences, risks and responses for women, men and gender diverse people in different ways. When their distinct circumstances and needs are overlooked, there is a risk of perpetuating inequalities. Specialised action refers to targeted activities NHRIs can undertake to prevent gender-specific forms of torture and other ill-treatment. This involves prioritising and addressing violations rooted in often deeply embedded societal discrimination around gender, gender identity and expression. It should be remembered that “gender” refers to socially constructed roles of, and power relations among women, men and gender diverse people. The meaning of gender varies across societies and over time, but it often results in hierarchical relationships and patriarchal norms and power structures. 17 Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions, Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL): A Guide for National Human Rights Institutions in the Asia Pacific, 2021 17