A delegation from the Office of the Commissioner for Administration and the Protection of Human Rights (Ombudsman) of Cyprus, including Commissioner Ms Stylianou-Lottidou, conducted a  study visit to Athens from 17 to 20 March 2026. The visit provided representatives from Cyprus with the opportunity to meet with their counterparts from the Greek Ombudsman’s office, and exchange views on their respective roles, mandates and working practices as National Preventive Mechanisms (NPM).

The study visit facilitated insightful discussions on methodologies and practical arrangements for visiting and monitoring various facilities where individuals are deprived of their liberty. Exchanges touched upon prison facilities, immigration and police detention centres, juvenile detention institutions, and psychiatric care establishments.

As part of the programme, the Cypriot delegation, alongside the Greek NPM, visited the Avlona Prison for Young Adults and the Amygdaleza Pre-removal Detention Centre for Immigrants. During these visits, the delegation observed the different methodologies and procedures as well as autopsies conducted by senior investigators from the Greek NPM office. They also had the opportunity to participate in interviews with detainees, social workers, medical personnel and other staff members.

Both the Commissioner Ms Stylianou-Lottidou and the Deputy Ombudsman and Head of the Greek NPM, Mr Moschos, highlighted the importance of the visit as a valuable  opportunity for dialogue, exchange of experience and identification of practical approaches to strengthening the work of both NPMs.

The study visit was organised within the framework of the EU-Council of Europe Joint Project “Technical Support for More Effective and Resilient NPM.”