A/HRC/23/18 • Participants expressed the view that NPMs’ members could be invited as experts to visits undertaken by both the CPT and SPT. Some challenges were highlighted, including the fact that the SPT can only invite experts who are on the SPT’s roster of experts, as well as that the CPT can only invite NPMs’ members if they are not nationals from the country where the visit is going to take place. • It was proposed that NPMs’ members take part in trainings of new members conducted by both the SPT and the CPT. • Participants expressed the view that a way to maximize and share with other regions the results of the European NPM Project is inviting NPM’s members from other regions to its workshops and visits. In this regard, it was mentioned that the European NPM Project is looking to expanding the Project to facilitate sharing of methodological tools and NPM reports, as well as reaching out to share the European NPM Network’s experience with other regions and new NPMs. • Discussions also touched upon how international and regional torture prevention bodies can help NPMs with any serious systemic issue, such as lack of budgetary resources, and raise this with the relevant State. 5. Role of NGOs • Participants proposed that NGOs actively participate in the establishment of NPMs. The process of establishment of NPMs should be open, transparent and inclusive. • It was suggested that focal points or working groups can be established in States in order to develop a strategy on NPM budget, legislation, with the participation of NGOs. • It was proposed that other international and regional actors, such as OHCHR, ODIHR, OSCE field missions, CoE field offices, and international NGOs are invited to take part in the process of establishment of NPMs. • It was highlighted that NGOs can play an active role in the monitoring activities of NPMs. Examples were given of several countries where such a collaborative model can be found. • Participants expressed the view that NPMs should engage more with NGOs in their day-to day work. NGOs could provide information, as well as technical assistance to NPMs through joint projects, training of NPMs’ staff, advising the NPMs on their methods of work, etc. • NGOs play an important role in disseminating NPMs’ work, including through distribution of NPM’s reports, monitoring the implementation of their recommendations by the States authorities and conducting awareness-raising activities about the work of NPMs. • The NGOs’ role as watchdog of the NPMs’ performance was highlighted. It was suggested that they actively monitor NPM’s work through reports, statements, etc. • Participants agreed on the important role played by NGOs in identifying best practices developed by both United Nations and European human rights mechanisms on torture as well as key areas of concern. Tools and arrangements to share these best practices should be put in place. • The key role played by NGOs with regard to follow up to recommendations resulting from both United Nations and European mechanisms was underscored. It was mentioned that they can undertake visits to follow up on recommendations from 38