Pristina, 26th of June, 2025 – The Ombudsman Institution, in the role of the National Mechanism for the Prevention of Torture (NMPT), organized the International Conference “Mental Health in Institutions of Deprivation of Liberty: The Role of NMTs in the Protection of Rights and Ensuring Effective Supervision”.

This conference was organized to mark June 26, the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture and to raise the general awareness of the public, in particular of the responsible authorities, about the European standards of treatment of persons with mental health problems, about the sensitivity that mental health entails and the need for treatment with dignity.

The Ombudsman, Mr. Naim Qelaj, at the opening of the conference, emphasized that the treatment of persons deprived of liberty who have mental disorders is one of the most sensitive and important challenges in the penitentiary system. These persons need specialized treatment, not only to preserve their dignity and rights, but also to prevent the deterioration of their condition and to enable rehabilitation.

The Ombudsman emphasized that such meetings are important because they bring together institutional and international actors in a common space for reflection, exchange of experiences and coordination of actions – all of which are crucial for fulfilling our common mission of respecting human dignity and strengthening the rule of law. He further emphasized the role and importance of the National Mechanism for the Prevention of Torture in monitoring institutions of deprivation of liberty and mental health institutions.

The conference was attended by representatives of the National Mechanisms for the Prevention of Torture (NMPT) of countries such as Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Slovenia, representatives from state institutions such as the Office for Good Governance, the Kosovo Correctional Service, the Prison Health Department, the Institute of Forensic Psychiatry, representatives from the Kosovo Police, representatives from international organizations such as: the Council of Europe, EULEX, OSCE, UNMIK, Council of Europe experts and representatives of civil society.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Tankut, Deputy Head of the Council of Europe Office in Kosovo, spoke about the importance of treating persons with mental health problems, as well as the assistance provided by the Council of Europe in building the capacities of the Kosovo Mechanism and announced the latest projects being implemented with Kosovo institutions in building the capacities of health and correctional personnel.

The conference continued with presentations from all participating countries, who spoke about their work, the challenges they face, while representatives of public institutions highlighted their challenges and problems, as well as the actions they have taken in relation to the treatment of persons with mental health problems in institutions of deprivation of liberty.

The Ombudsman Mr. Qelaj, at the conclusion of this conference, emphasized that “No person deprived of liberty should experience neglect, discrimination or mistreatment due to their mental state”