Part II: Preventing torture: NHRIs in action • Regional complaints mechanisms • Visiting mechanisms at the international level, such as the Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture, and at the regional level. Chapter 8: Monitoring places of detention • Monitoring places of detention through regular visits should respect basic principles, in particular the “do no harm” principle. • Visits to places of detention should be well planned in terms of reviewing available information, dividing tasks between team members and making prior contacts. • Key steps involved in conducting a visit include: an initial talk with the authorities in charge, a tour of the premises, consultation of registers and other documents, private interviews with detainees, and a final meeting with the authorities in charge. • Obtaining and cross-checking information from different sources is key to ensure the objectivity and credibility of such information. • NHRIs should integrate a gender perspective and gender-sensitive language when preparing and conducting visits to places of deprivation of liberty, as well as when writing reports and recommendations. • Reporting on visits and preparing good recommendations is crucial as a follow-up mechanism and for establishing an ongoing dialogue with the relevant authorities. Chapter 9: Promoting public awareness • Educating the general public about the prohibition and prevention of torture is an important preventive action. • Educational programmes can focus on persons deprived of liberty and those who are most at risk of torture and ill-treatment. • Awareness-raising campaigns can help shape public opinion about the issue and provide important momentum for change. • NHRIs should mainstream gender in public education activities on torture prevention. Specialised actions might be needed to address gendered forms of torture and other ill-treatment. Chapter 10: NHRIs and the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture • NHRIs can play an important role to promote the OPCAT, by advocating for ratification and participating in broad and inclusive consultations on NPM designation. • NHRIs may be designated as the NPM; either as the sole NPM, in cooperation with civil society organisations or as one of several NPMs. This double mandate can present particular opportunities and challenges for NHRIs. • NHRIs designated as NPMs can have direct and confidential contact with the SPT in the context of the SPT visit to the country and in its advisory role. • NHRIs not designated as the NPM can contribute to the work of the NPM and the work of the Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture. 153