On 28 – 30 July, project supported monitoring visit of the National Preventive Mechanism against Torture (NPM) to places of deprivation of liberty in Mitrovica region. It was followed by the online mentoring session held on 2 August, which was facilitated with support of distinguished international expert Jari Pirjola, member of the European Committee for Prevention of Torture (CPT) in respect of Finland.
The NPM visited two major correction facilities in Mitrovica region, including Correctional Center in Smrekonicë/Smrekovnica and Detention Center in North Mitrovica, and two police stations in municipalities South Mitrovica and Vushtrri/Vučitrn. In a follow-up online workshop with Mr Pirjola, its members analysed findings and recommendations from the visits and exchanged about treatment of inmates in visited facilities through comparative perspectives of international and national monitoring bodies.
The NPM staff was provided with additional opportunity to refresh knowledge of relevant CPT standards for treatment of persons deprived of liberty in prisons and police custody and discuss methodological aspects of the NPM work and communication with relevant authorities for more effective addressing its recommendations. Both, during the visits and follow-up feedback session, particular attention was given to treatment of inmates in the restrictive conditions after outbreak of COVID-19, and their access to adequate health care, contact with outside world and meaningful activities during the pandemic. The reference was made to relevant CPT standards and statement of principles relating to treatment of persons deprived of their liberty in the context of coronavirus health emergency.
It was the third NPM monitoring visit and follow-up mentoring assignment organized by the project in this year, after visits to different facilities in Peja region in May, and to closed psychiatric establishments in Pristina in June.
The project "Strengthening the Kosovo* Institutions in Fight against Torture, Ill-treatment and Other Degrading Treatment" is funded by Norway and implemented by the Council of Europe.
