OPCAT Articles 1 to 4 and Application

Locked places should be independently visited

If you cannot freely leave a place, you can ask to speak privately with an independent inspector, even if a contractor runs it.

How you can use it

1. 1Ask a lawyer, advocate or ombudsman who independently visits the place.
2. 2Request a private conversation without staff listening.
3. 3Give dates and needs, and ask for confidentiality.

What a violation looks like

There are no independent visits, or a contractor-run locked placement is treated as outside the rules.

Words you can use

“I want to speak privately with an independent inspector.”

If speaking is hard, write it, draw it, send a message, or ask a trusted adult to say it with you.