On 29 April 2026, the European Forum of National Preventive Mechanisms (NPM) concluded its annual conference with a strong call for coordinated European action to address persistent mental health challenges in detention settings.

Independent monitors of detention facilities from all across Europe examined the high prevalence of mental disorders, self-harm, and psychological distress among people deprived of liberty in all facilities. They stressed that these issues are often intensified by gaps in care, isolation, and insufficient trauma-informed approaches—particularly affecting people in vulnerable situation.

Discussions highlighted key European standards, notably the Council of Europe Recommendation CM/Rec(2025)2, which calls for equivalent access to healthcare, continuity of care, a ban on solitary confinement for mental health reasons, and improved staff training and data systems, Steering Committee for Human Rights in the fields of Biomedicine and Health (CDBIO), European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT)  and United Nations Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture (SPT) standards.

Country examples pointed to shortages in specialist staff and barriers to effective treatment, while innovative models such as small-scale, community-based detention houses were presented as promising alternatives that support rehabilitation and reduce reoffending.

Participants agreed that stronger monitoring, better data, transparent reporting, and inclusive stakeholder engagement are essential for sustainable reform. The conference closed with a renewed commitment to human rights-based preventive monitoring, cross-sector cooperation, and amplifying the voices of those with lived experience.

The annual conference was organised with the support of the joint European Union-Council of Europe project "Support to Council of Europe for EU network of prison monitoring bodies" (European NPM Forum).