Preventing Torture An Operational Guide for National Human Rights Institutions - Updated Edition Chapter 8: Monitoring places of deprivation of liberty KEY QUESTIONS • What is the difference between preventive and investigative monitoring? • What steps should be taken to prepare for a visit to a place of deprivation of liberty? • What are the different steps involved in carrying out a visit? • What type of reporting and follow-up is required following a visit? • How to integrate a gender-sensitive approach to monitoring places of detention? LEGAL BASIS FOR NHRI INVOLVEMENT Paris Principles Competence and responsibilities 3. A national institution shall, inter alia, have the following responsibilities: (a) To submit to the Government, Parliament and any other competent body, on an advisory basis either at the request of the authorities concerned or through the exercise of its power to hear a matter without higher referral (…). These opinions, recommendations, proposals and reports, as well as any prerogative of the national institution, shall relate to the following areas: (ii) Any situation of violation of human rights which it decides to take up. (iv) Drawing the attention of the Government to situations in any part of the country where human rights are violated and making proposals to it for initiatives to put an end to such 108