Preventing Torture An Operational Guide for National Human Rights Institutions Introduction to Part II The primary responsibility to prevent torture rests with the State, which has a clear duty to take all measures to prevent torture and other forms of ill-treatment. NHRIs, which are a key element of strong national human rights protection system, can play a crucial role by ensuring that the State upholds this obligation. Part II describes in detail the practical actions that NHRIs can take under each of the three dimensions of an integrated torture prevention strategy. In addition, a fourth section presents a selection of crosscutting actions for NHRIs to consider. Each chapter includes examples of good practices from NHRIs in different parts of the world. Section I: Promoting an effective legal framework Chapter 3: Promoting legal and procedural reforms Section II: Contributing to the implementation of the legal framework Chapter 4: Investigating allegations of torture Chapter 5: Interviewing Chapter 6: Training public officials Section III: Acting as a control mechanism Chapter 7: Cooperating with international mechanisms Chapter 8: Monitoring places of detention Chapter 9: Promoting public awareness Section IV: Cross-cutting actions Chapter 10: NHRIs and the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture Chapter 11: Public inquiries 26