The NPM is an independent body whose staff and other members visit persons deprived of their liberty and the places where they are or may be accommodated. It is dedicated to strengthening the protection of these persons against torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.

The Republic of Slovenia, by the Act on the Ratification of the Optional Protocol to the United Nations Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (Official Gazette of the Republic of Slovenia, No. 114/2006 - International Treaties, No. 20 of 9 November 2006), has declared:

"The powers and functions of the National preventive mechanism under the Optional Protocol, in accordance with Article 17, shall be exercised by the Ombudsman and, in agreement with the Ombudsman, by non-governmental organizations registered in the Republic of Slovenia and by organizations that have acquired the status of humanitarian organization in the Republic of Slovenia."