The document discusses the role of national human rights institutions (NHRIs) in detention monitoring. It explores NHRIs as independent monitoring bodies for detention facilities due to their structure, independence, mandates, and expertise. The document also examines best practices and lessons learned from NHRIs' concrete initiatives for detention monitoring, including accessing facilities, using judicial channels, public exposure, and interacting with stakeholders. Finally, it surveys experiences of NHRIs, such as difficulties accessing some facilities due to lack of scrutiny, obstruction, and restrictive legislation.