Why do NPMs and civil society work together?

Due to their different and often complementary mandates and approaches, NPMs and CSOs have the potential to work together effectively to better prevent torture. By joining forces and cooperating to achieve their goals, NPMs and CSOs can maximize their resources and their impact.

The OPCAT provides NPM with unique powers of access to detention places, persons and information. It also places an obligation on the authorities to enter into dialogue on NPM recommendations. From their side, CSOs often have strong field presence and first-hand information, including through their direct contacts with persons deprived of their liberty or their relatives. Many are also able to effectively raise awareness and to mobilise public opinion through their advocacy or campaigns. Specialised CSOs also possess extensive knowledge and expertise in their specific fields of work.

NPMs and CSOs can help strengthening each other’s ability to achieve change in detention by exchanging information, working together or by forming more formal coalitions in relation to their policy and advocacy work.

NPMs and CSOs can also play an important role in strengthening each other’s mandates. CSOs are often key stakeholders in domestic discussions on the NPM, including from the early stages when they may be involved in advocacy around OPCAT ratification and NPM designation or establishment, a role that is recognised as crucial by the SPT Guidelines on NPMs.

NPMs also play an important role in ensuring that places of deprivation of liberty are not closed to CSOs monitoring groups or mechanisms after NPM establishment.

In cases where there are reprisals against them, NPMs and CSOs also can be key allies in mutually protecting each other from undue pressure or interference.