Preventing Torture An Operational Guide for National Human Rights Institutions - Updated Edition Fact-finding visits The Special Rapporteur does not have an automatic right to undertake a fact-finding visit to a country (unlike the Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture established under the Optional Protocol). Instead, the Special Rapporteur can visit only following an invitation from a Government. During the fact-finding visit, the Special Rapporteur will have contact with a wide range of stakeholders, such as Government officials, NHRIs, NGOs, alleged victims and relatives, and can visit places of detention, such as prison and police stations. The report of the fact-finding visit includes conclusions on the country situation and makes recommendations to the Government. 2.1.2. Contribution of NHRIs to the work of the Special Rapporteur on Torture NHRIs are key dialogue partners for the Special Rapporteur. They can provide the Special Rapporteur with reliable information, assist with preparations for a fact-finding visit, monitor implementation of recommendations and undertake other follow-up action following a visit. Providing information NHRIs can provide an independent and credible source of information for the Special Rapporteur. They can prepare information on individual cases or on the broader human rights situation that could form the basis of the Special Rapporteur’s communications to the Government. They can also draw attention to issues of concern in legislation or draft legislation. In addition, NHRIs can contribute to the development of thematic reports by the Special Rapporteur, by suggesting specific issues or topics to be the subject of a future thematic study or by submitting relevant information following a call for inputs from the Rapporteur. Fact-finding visit NHRIs can recommend that the Government invite the Special Rapporteur to undertake an official factfinding visit. In preparing for a country visit, the NHRI should provide a report of relevant information to the Special Rapporteur, as well as propose suitable interlocutors. During the visit, the Special Rapporteur will usually meet representatives of the NHRI. This provides an important opportunity for the NHRI to present recent and updated information regarding torture and other forms of ill-treatment in the country. It also allows the NHRI to advise the Special Rapporteur on particular places of detention to visit. Following up on reports and recommendations As relay mechanisms at the country level, NHRIs have an important role to play in following-up on the report issued by the Special Rapporteur following the fact-finding visit. NHRIs should translate, if necessary, and widely disseminate the report to all key stakeholders. Importantly, they can also monitor steps taken by the State to implement recommendations made by the Special Rapporteur. NHRIs can organize follow-up seminars or roundtable discussions on the report and its recommendations, as well as draw on the report when preparing advice, recommendations and reports to the Government, Parliament or relevant authorities. It can also be a valuable resource for NHRIs when they prepare their strategic work plan or formulate a national human rights action plan. Finally, NHRIs can regularly communicate with the Special Rapporteur and provide information on progress that has occurred in the implementation of recommendations from the report. Insights from practice: The National Human Rights Commission of Mexico met with the Special Rapporteur during its 2014 visit to the country. The Special Rapporteur issued a follow-up report in 2017 based on the information received by relevant stakeholders, including the National Human Rights Commission. 98