NPMs can consider establishing direct (remote) contact Particularly in rapidly evolving situations, establishing with individuals deprived of liberty through remote in- and/or strengthening channels of communication with terviews. These should be subjected to the same prin- relevant authorities will strengthen NPMs’ informa- ciples as on-site interviews. However, NPMs have to tion-gathering abilities. Many NPMs have done this 34 be aware of and weigh the risks for interviewees, as during the COVID-19 pandemic, sometimes on a daily anonymity and protection are difficult if not impossible basis as in Albania and Romania. In Portugal, the NPM to maintain, increasing the risk of reprisals. Unlike onsite strengthened information channels with authorities, visits, the main challenge for NPMs in this case is the reaching an agreement to share new orders for prison fact that contact with interviewees will likely need to be administrations with the NPM immediately. In the United established by staff. Kingdom, the NPM was granted online access to the police tracking system and is now monitoring police Distance and the use of communication technologies custody remotely. In addition, establishing channels of present additional challenges that need to be taken communication with health professionals working in into account. Detainees must be granted a closed and places of deprivation of liberty helps NPMs to better secure area for such communication, without the pres- understand the conditions there and, thus, can assist ence of staff or others, to safeguard the privacy and in monitoring activities. confidentiality of the information exchanged. Monitors should be conscious of the risk that the conversation NPMs can recommend that administrations, secretar- can be recorded, openly or covertly. Remote commu- iats, ministries, and authorities in charge of places of nication is likely to render trust and rapport building deprivation of liberty designate a dedicated contact more difficult. In some places of deprivation of liberty person or focal point to be in regular communication with less restrictive regimes, such as elderly homes or with the NPM. The focal point can provide periodically drug rehabilitation centres, it may be easier for NPMs to updated information on the functioning of the place of establish direct remote contact with residents. deprivation of liberty, conditions within, health reports and detected cases. For example, in Hungary, the NPM Approaching former detainees, in particular people who requested the authorities to designate a contact person were previously detained in isolation or quarantine areas, who would be available at short notice, and provide either in prison settings or quarantine facilities, is an information about the setting up of new and temporary effective way of gathering information from those with places of detention. first-hand experience. This can allow monitors to identify how isolation or quarantine was implemented and the procedures and safeguards in place. 34 See ‘4.4. Interviews with persons deprived of their liberty’ in APT, Monitoring Places of detention: A Practical Guide, 2004. 13