OPCAT Articles 17 to 23

The watchdog must be independent

There should be an independent national preventive mechanism with access and the power to recommend change. You can give it information.

How you can use it

1. 1Ask for the national preventive mechanism or ombudsman for your area.
2. 2Submit a confidential complaint about detention, restraint, treatment or family contact.
3. 3Tell the body if staff punish you for speaking.

What a violation looks like

The watchdog is controlled by the agency it must inspect, or cannot make independent recommendations.

Words you can use

“I want the independent inspector to review this place.”

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