Section 5: Powers of Division

5. Powers of Division (1) The Division shall have such powers as may be necessary to effectively discharge its functions under this Act and the Optional Protocol. (2) Without prejudice to the generality of its powers under subsection (1), the Division shall, notwithstanding any other enactment, be given— (a) full access to all information concerning the number of persons deprived of their liberty in places of detention, as well as the number of places and their location; (b) access to all information referring to the treatment of those persons as well as their conditions of detention; (c) access to any place of detention and its installations and facilities; (d) the opportunity to have private interviews with persons deprived of their liberty, personally or with a translator where necessary, as well as with any other person whom they have reason to believe may supply relevant information; (e) the freedom to choose the places they want to visit and the persons they want to interview; (f) the freedom to determine its own procedures, including its programmes of visits; (g) the freedom for its members to be accompanied, if needed, by such expert with the relevant professional expertise, experience and knowledge as the Chairperson may determine, on visits to detention centres; (h) the right to have contacts with the Subcommittee and to exchange information with it.