The role of national prevention mechanisms in the prevention of torture and ill treatment in the context of the United Nations system

Torture and ill-treatment is absolutely prohibited by the international human rights acquis. In order to effectively combat torture and ill-treatment, the United Nations has also adopted the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. However, the Convention hasn't had the expected effect in the fight against torture and ill-treatment. For this reason, Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, which stipulates that torture and ill-treatment can be prevented by visits of international and national independent bodies to detention centers, such as prisons, police custody centers, social care homes, where people are at risk of torture and ill-treatment and away from public supervision, has been adopted. With the adoption of the Optional Protocol, National Preventive Mechanisms have begun to operate all over the world. The aim of this study is to examine the role that National Preventive Mechanisms can play in preventing torture and ill-treatment and to reveal the impact of the mechanisms on the basis of different country examples.