The guide provides a practical tool for anyone intending to visit a place of detention with the intention of preventing torture and ill treatment. It gives advice on how to monitor in a manner that enhances effectiveness and gives guidance on issues requiring special attention, such as medical services or protection measures. Moreover, it also explains clearly the different types of monitoring mechanisms and their complementary nature. It is intended for any person or body entitled to monitor and carry out visits to places of detention at the national level. The guide is intended to deal with monitoring in any place where persons are deprived of their liberty. In practice, however, it focuses mainly on prisons and, in a more limited way, on police stations. The first chapter contains a general introduction on the importance of monitoring conditions of detention. The second chapter briefly sets out the existing international and domestic mechanisms, and makes special reference to the features of national preventive mechanisms as set out by the Optional Protocol of the Convention against Torture. The third chapter is of a more operational nature, describing how to conduct a visit from preparation to follow-up. The last chapter sets out, theme by theme, the aspects of detention that should be considered during a visit and comments upon the corresponding provisions in international standards.
overview of APT resources on Monitoring places of detention
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