Pristina, 26th of June 2026 – In marking the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, the Ombudsperson, Mr. Naim Qelaj and the Director of the National Mechanism against Torture, Ms. Shqipe Ibraj Mala, participated in a roundtable discussion on the topic “Preventing torture through mental health protection in correctional institutions”. The roundtable was organized by the Kosovo Center for the Rehabilitation of Torture Victims, KRCT.

The Ombudsperson emphasized that this day serves as a reminder that the prohibition of torture and any form of inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment is an absolute norm of international law.

He said that one of the issues that the Ombudsperson has continuously addressed over the years is the respect for the rights of persons with mental disorders who are serving sentences or in conflict with the law.

The NPMT conducts annual visits to mental health institutions and correctional institutions, and despite positive developments, challenges remain serious.