NPM in RM
The National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) in line with the obligations arising from the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OPCAT) is a national body set to regularly examine the treatment of the persons deprived of their liberty in places of detention, with a view to strengthening, if necessary, their protection against torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment; to make recommendations to the relevant authorities with the aim of improving the treatment and the conditions of the persons deprived of their liberty and to prevent torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, taking into consideration the relevant norms of the United Nations; as well as to submit proposals and observations concerning existing or draft legislation.
With the Law on ratification of the OPCAT, the Republic of Macedonia nominated the Ombudsman to act as National Preventive Mechanism, and in cooperation with and on the basis of previous consent by the Ombudsman, NGOs and organizations that have status of humanitarian organizations in the Republic of Macedonia, can undertake some of the competencies of the National Preventive Mechanism. After the ratification of OPCAT and the designation of the Ombudsman as national body to carry out the torture prevention function, the Ombudsman immediately undertook the first steps necessary for the establishment of the NPM in Macedonia. Following the recommendations of the UN Subcommittee on prevention of torture, the Ombudsman decided to establish separate Unit within its office that will carry out the NPM mandate in the country with main aim for prevention of torture and other forms of cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment.
The NPM in the Republic of Macedonia, according to the competencies arising from the OPCAT, has access to all information concerning the number of persons deprived of their liberty in places of detention, as well as the number of places and their location; access to all information referring to the treatment of those persons as well as their conditions of detention; access to all places of detention and their installations and facilities; has The possibility to conduct private interviews with the persons deprived of their liberty without witnesses, either personally or with a translator if deemed necessary, as well as with any other person who the NPM believes may supply relevant information; has the liberty to choose the places they want to visit and the persons they want to interview; and has the right to maintain contacts with the Subcommittee on Prevention from Torture (SPT), to provide the SPT with relevant information and to meet with it.