Preventing Torture An Operational Guide for National Human Rights Institutions - Updated Edition important indirect prevention strategy that must be complemented by other approaches to effectively address the root causes of torture. This is why an integrated torture prevention strategy requires a third element, which is focused on direct prevention and employing non-confrontational and non-judicial oversight mechanisms. These mechanisms can include, for example, regular and unannounced monitoring of places of detention by independent bodies and public education campaigns to build community awareness and support for the prevention of torture and ill-treatment. This integrated preventive strategy can be depicted in the form of a house, where the legal framework forms the foundation, implementation of the framework creates the walls, and the oversight mechanisms provide the protective roof. Oversight mechanisms Monitoring deprivation of liberty International human rights bodies Public awareness campaign Implementation Procedural safeguards Training of public officials Fight against impunity Legal framework Ratification of international treaties Prohibition and criminalization of torture Legal safeguards 1.3.1 Existence of a comprehensive legal framework A strong legal framework to prohibit and prevent torture and ill-treatment is a critical component of any torture prevention strategy. The legal framework should reflect relevant international human rights standards and include specific provisions to prohibit and prevent torture, including detention safeguards. States can draw on the international legal framework by: • ratifying relevant international human rights treaties • integrating international human rights treaties into national law 14