The law is designed to improve the effectiveness of public monitoring commissions that supervise the human rights situation at detention facilities.
For this purpose, the law introduces new principles of public monitoring, as well as a code of ethics for members of public monitoring commissions. The powers of public monitoring commissions regarding public supervision of the right to health protection of persons in places of detention will be expanded.
The law provides for the possibility for public regional authorities and local self-government structures to support the activities of these commissions. The Civic Chamber of the Russian Federation is also endowed with additional powers to support the activities of public monitoring commissions.
The law also stipulates that persons in detention facilities may also be assisted by socially oriented nonprofit organisations.