A/HRC/30/20 regional countries… some countries respond better to examples drawn from neighbouring countries” (A/HRC/28/30, para. 18). 42. These mechanisms typically monitor the implementation of human rights obligations through the consideration of periodic reports and examination of individual communications. In their views on such communications, relevant mechanisms not only consider whether or not a violation has occurred in an individual case, they also provide an analysis of their causes, as well as identify what action should be taken to prevent recurrence.81 Complaints mechanisms may also directly prevent human rights violations through their interim measures provisions.82 Another example of the functions of international and regional mechanisms includes friendly settlement procedures of the InterAmerican Commission on Human Rights, which seeks to guarantee non-repetition to prevent future violations of human rights. 83 These guarantees have included adoption of new laws and repeal of existing ones,84 implementation of public policies designed to protect human rights, and human rights training for public officials. 85 43. Mechanisms for the prevention of torture,86 the special procedures established by the Human Rights Council and some treaty bodies undertake country visits and produce thematic reports and studies. Many also contribute to prevention by developing new standards and guidelines, and assisting States in the interpretation of provisions included in human rights instruments. Some are mandated to conduct inquiries or early warning or urgent actions which have the prevention of human rights violations as their primary objective.87 44. The Universal Periodic Review is a unique process through which the human rights records of all United Nations Member States are considered. It constitutes an opportunity for States to provide information on action taken to improve the human rights situation and to overcome challenges to the enjoyment of human rights by all individuals within their jurisdiction. It can assist States in identifying potential violations and ways in which to address them, including through sharing of good practices. Follow-up to recommendations has led to positive legislative and policy change. 88 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 For example, the Human Rights Committee commended “the prompt response and the measures taken by the State party to remedy the infringements on religious freedom identified in the Committee’s views in Communication No. 1155/2003 [Leirvåg v. Norway, Views adopted on 3 November 2004], including the adoption of amendments to the Education Act” (CCPR/C/NOR/CO/5). Some mechanisms may, at any stage before a case is considered, issue a request to the State for “interim measures” in order to prevent any irreparable harm to the author or alleged victim in the particular case. Typically, such requests are issued to prevent actions that cannot later be undone, for example, the execution of a death sentence or the deportation of an individual facing a risk of torture. Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, Impact of the Friendly Settlement Procedure (OEA/Ser.L/V/II. Doc. 45/13 of 18 December 2013). Ibid., p. 52. Ibid., p. 6. Including the Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, and the Council of Europe Committee on the Prevention of Torture. E.g. Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination’s early warning and urgent action procedure; communications procedure of special procedures. See “A National Human Rights Action Plan – Uganda follows through on its commitment to the Universal Periodic Review”, available from http://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/UgandaNationalHumanRightsActionPlan.aspx. 15