A/HRC/23/18 set by it (one year). Promote the ratification of the OPCAT by those States which have not ratified it yet. • Identify synergies between the United Nations and the Inter-American human rights systems and reinforce their support to NHRIs so as to make them Paris Principles complainant, in particular those which have been designated as NPMs. • Disseminate State obligations in the fight against torture, especially those assumed by ratifying the OPCAT. • Find opportunities for discussion and for exchange of information between NPMs. These meetings should also include discussions on the challenges they face (mandate, working methods, lack of response from the State, among others). • Promote cooperation between United Nations an regional human rights mechanisms with regard to the monitoring of detention places for persons with disabilities and related programmes, taking into account the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, in particular its article 16.3 which establishes State’s obligations to monitor those places of detention and related programmes through independent authorities. 9. Role of Civil Society Organizations • Actively participate in the ratification process of the OPCAT, as well as in the creation and establishment of NPMs where they do not exist yet, with the view that they comply with the SPT guidelines and the Paris Principles. • Follow up to and dissemination of recommendations made by the two human rights systems on torture through various means, including mapping of compliance with recommendations, reports and follow up to recommendations on individual cases. • Discuss with States and among themselves the actions to be undertaken to ensure that recommendations are implemented. Participants highlighted the role that civil society organizations play in the analysis of national situations, as well as in identifying the most appropriate means to elaborate the above mentioned mapping. • Request that thematic hearings aimed to developing standards on prevention and protection against torture are held; and promote the participation of NGOs in SPT sessions and in IACHR hearings. • Work along with the United Nations and Inter-American human rights mechanisms in activities allowing the exchange of views on strategies and priorities to fight torture in the region, including countries to be visited and definition of thematic priorities, as occurred in the 2011 regional consultations carried out by the United Nations Special Rapporteur on torture. Furthermore, to open spaces allowing the involvement of civil society organizations in SPT’s (sessions) and IACHR’s (hearings) discussions on key issues, as well as in the establishment of NPMs and actions aimed at improving them. • Strategic and complementary use of United Nations and Inter-American human rights mechanisms through provision of information, requests for urgent appeals, allegation letters and precautionary measures, as well as active participation in the preparation, development and follow up to visits of the SPT, CAT, United Nations and IACHR Rapporteurs on torture. In addition, to provide information for thematic reports and submit shadow reports to these mechanisms, among others. • Strategic litigation before both human rights systems in order to obtain concrete results, for instance the closure of a detention centre. 32

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