V. CONCLUSION This health emergency of unprecedented scope greatly The current situation has also brought advocacy oppor- affects the work of NPMs. They face numerous chal- tunities for NPMs and openings for constructive dialogue lenges, from the need to adapt their monitoring meth- with the relevant authorities. By fully endorsing this aspect ods and the challenge of carrying out in situ visits of their mandate, NPMs can play a decisive role in ad- without causing harm, to new and evolving issues and dressing issues, such as overcrowding or the excessive risk factors. NPMs in the OSCE region and around the use of pre-trial and administrative detention. Many govern- world have shown tremendous adaptability, unques- ments have taken positive steps since the outbreak of the tionably rising to the challenge of ensuring that all de- pandemic, by adopting alternative measures to detention prived of liberty remain protected and free from torture and decreasing the number of arrests, thus reducing the and ill-treatment. The global nature of this emergency overall population of people in places of deprivation of lib- represents a unique opportunity for NPMs from across erty. NPMs have an opportunity to ensure that the current the globe to exchange promising practices and learn situation becomes a turning point and has a positive effect from each other. on the condition of persons deprived of liberty, now and in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. 29