Prishtina, 21 May 2019 – Deputy Ombudsperson, Ms. Naile Alaj, received in a meeting the International Red Cross officials, Ms. Naile Busemann and Mr. Kushtrim Koci.

The purpose of the meeting was the exchange of knowledge on the work of the National Preventive Mechanism against Torture of the Ombudsperson and the International Red Cross. Ms. Alaj informed the International Red Cross officials about the National Preventive Mechanism against Torture establishment background, its mandate, composition, the right to access places of detention, cooperation with relevant authorities, findings during visits, recommendations sent to the competent authorities and their implementation.

On the other hand, Ms. Busemann informed Ms. Alaj on the International Red Cross mandate, methodology implemented during the visit and other relevant aspects of the monitoring of places of detention, which also includes areas where wars and various armed conflicts occur. Ms. Busemann pointed out, inter alia, the importance of the existence of a powerful national preventive mechanism against torture in a country that conducts regular and Ad hoc visits to places of detention.

During the meeting, among other things, they also discussed the possibilities of cooperation between the National Preventive Mechanism against Torture and the International Red Cross in the future.