“[…] The SCA notes that the AIHRC reports that it is now able to do so, with the exception of centres operated by the Directorate of National Security, where it has been required to give prior notice. The SCA further notes that the AIHRC has indicated that this situation has improved, and it encourages the AIHRC to continue its efforts to fully resolve this issue.

While the SCA notes that, in some circumstances, it may be necessary to provide notice for security reasons, it is of the view that an NHRI should be able to conduct ‘unannounced’ visits to all places of detention within its jurisdiction as this limits opportunities for detaining authorities to hide or obscure human rights violations and facilitates greater scrutiny.”