MONITORING PSYCHIATRIC INSTITUTIONS obtain information liable to improve their conditions and minimise, or even eliminate, the use of these methods. A practice that was highlighted, and that aims to avoid too much exposure and protect the sensitivity of the persons being interviewed while being restrained, consists of meeting them one-to-one. It is a set-up that the person is not used to and does not therefore remind him/her of his/her contacts with usually two persons at a time: a doctor and a carer. To guarantee the dignity of the users, experience has shown that it is essential that NPMs train their members and staff properly on how to handle private interviews with persons with mental disabilities. It is crucial to have an open approach that does not question the person’s word. In Serbia, the NPM unit within the Ombudsman’s Office is an example of good practice as their staff have been able to benefit directly from training on the specificities of monitoring institutions with persons with disabilities. This training was facilitated by civil society organisations (in particular the NGO Mental Disability Rights Initiative), who are specialised on disability rights and form an integral part of the NPM’s structure. Finally, during private interviews, one fundamental principle of the monitoring bodies’ mandate should always be borne in mind and respected: the “do no harm” principle. It is therefore essential that NPMs remain vigilant and are always transparent about the aim of their visits and the limitations of their mandate so as not to create expectations regarding the solutions they can offer in each person’s individual situation. 37