Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions Photograph APF/ Michael Power. The global forum included a number of sessions where participants shared national and regional experiences, examples of good practice and strategies to strengthen torture prevention mechanisms. A total of 61 countries have now ratified OPCAT, which establishes a system of unannounced and unrestricted visits to places of detention by independent national and international monitoring bodies. A further 22 countries are signatories, with 12 more expressing interest. At the conclusion of the global forum, delegates identified three strategic goals to bolster the treaty’s reach and effectiveness, including: • to continue the campaign to increase ratification, as well as ensuring that States Parties maintain the political will required to implement OPCAT • to improve the effectiveness of national and international oversight mechanisms required by OPCAT, and • to involve new actors in the fight against torture, such as the media, public opinion, trade unions, doctors and donor groups. 4.3 Regional mechanisms Pacific regional mechanisms The merits of a regional human rights mechanism for the Pacific, and possible pathways to establish one within a realistic timeframe, were key discussion topics at a major regional consultation held in Suva, Fiji. The regional consultation, held from 28–30 November 2011, was supported by the APF and PIFS. Organised by the Pacific Regional Rights Resource Team of the Secretariat of the South Pacific Community, the three-day meeting brought together representatives from Government and civil society groups from all corners of the Pacific. Panel discussions explored a wide range of topics, including: • the development, successes and challenges of the regional and sub-regional human rights systems in Africa, Asia and Europe • the roles and mandates of NHRIs and Ombudsman’s Offices, and • the relationship between national and regional human rights mechanisms. 46 | 4. Engage with regional and international human rights mechanisms