In addition to including recommendations in their reports, NPMs may also make written “preliminary observations” to the authorities, usually at the end of a visit during the final meeting with the director of the establishment. These are a useful way of highlighting the most pressing or urgent issues found during a visit, which can then be more properly addressed following a full analysis of the information gathered during the visit and the writing of the report. What makes a good recommendation? Good recommendations are drawn from reports, which are themselves based on credible evidence, triangulated among several sources, and solid analysis. Recommendations are thus part of a process, requiring significant time and resources, which includes both the visit, report and the follow-up. Engaging in this process enables NPMs to identify risk factors and the root causes of the problems they identify (which often lie outside the specific place of detention being visited). It also enables them to make recommendations that address the laws, practices and policies that will best improve the situation. As with reports it is important that those who write recommendations are also part of the visiting team. The APT has developed a so-call “Double-SMART” model for drafting recommendations. This model, presented below, defines criteria that can be systematically applied in order to make recommendations as effective and useful as possible. The “Double-SMART” criteria are: Specific Measurable Achievable Results-oriented Time-bound Solution-suggestive Mindful of prioritisation, sequencing & risks Argued Root-cause responsive Targeted In practice, it may not be necessary to draft recommendations that comply with all ten criteria. Nevertheless they serve as an important guide for collective or individual analysis and review of draft recommendations prior to publication, as well as discussion with the authorities. Well-drafted recommendations make the task of the authorities easier when it comes to implementing them, and it also makes follow-up easier because they do not require additional indicators for progress to be measured. NPM Toolkit for Asia Pacific NPM-NHRIs 31