Part II Preventing torture: NHRIs in action | Section III Acting as a control mechanism
uniquely placed to follow-up on the implementation of recommendations made by visiting bodies,
provided the reports are published.
During its first periodic visit to Montenegro in September 2008, the Committee for the Prevention
of Torture held a meeting with the Human Rights and Freedoms Ombudsman of the
Republic of Montenegro.
During a visit to Ethiopia in 2004, the Special Rapporteur on Prisons and Conditions of Detention
in Africa met the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission, which also provided some logistical
assistance prior to the visit.
Key points: Chapter 7
NHRIs can contribute to the effective work of international and regional bodies.
They can submit independent and credible information, participate in review
procedures and follow up on recommendations.
Interaction with the following mechanisms is important for the prevention of
torture and ill-treatment:
• United Nations Human Rights Council, in particular the universal periodic
review
• Treaty bodies, in particular the Committee against Torture
• Special procedures, in particular the United Nations Special Rapporteur
on Torture
• Regional complaints mechanisms
• Visiting mechanisms at the international level, such as the Subcommittee on
Prevention of Torture, and the regional level.
Further reading
In the CD-Rom
The Role of National Human Rights Institutions in the United Nations Treaty
Body Process; Marei Müller and Frauke Seidensticker, German Institute
for Human Rights; 2007
National Human Rights Institutions and the UN Human Rights Council;
ICC Position Paper Volume I (27 June 2006)
National Human Rights Institutions and the Special Procedures and
Universal Periodic Review Mechanism; ICC Position Paper Volume II
(22 September 2006)
Engagement of National Human Rights Institutions with the Universal
Periodic Review Mechanism; ICC Position Paper Volume III (Draft, March 2007)
Engagement of National Human Rights Institutions with the Special Procedures;
ICC Position Paper Volume IV (Draft, March 2007)
Working with the United Nations Human Rights Programme: A Handbook for Civil Society;
OHCHR; 2008
Chapter 7: Cooperating with international mechanisms | 81