National Preventive Mechanism for the first time, prevention mechanisms from eleven countries have started to develop a common understanding of methodology and standards. In this regard, the AOB would like to thank the Council of Europe for its generous financial support in order to cover travel and accommodation costs of network members. NPMs from Germanspeaking countries meet in Solothurn Since 2014, there has been regular sharing of ideas and experience with NPMs from the German-speaking countries (Germany, Austria, Switzerland). This year’s meeting was held in Solothurn (Switzerland) and was dedicated to the detention of mentally ill offenders and psychiatric institutions as places of deprivation of liberty. The newly established correctional facility in Solothurn was visited jointly by the participants, and experience in the area of psychiatric facilities was shared. Besides, following an overview of human rights standards, problem areas were analysed and discussed from the standpoint of basic rights. Experts explained the legal foundations in the different countries, discussed differences and similarities and issued recommendations. Ombudsman Günther Kräuter provided an overview of the statutory basis and problem areas in Austria. IOI training for NPMs in Vilnius As part of their responsibility to protect and promote human rights, an increasing number of ombudsman institutions are also charged with the prevention of torture and other degrading treatment. The Austria-based International Ombudsman Institute (IOI) has recognised the need for bespoke continuing education programmes in this area and offers workshops focusing on NPM issues. In close cooperation with the recognised Association for the Prevention of Torture (APT), the IOI developed training for the staff of ombudsman institutions exercising the NPM mandate. As the host of this workshop, the Lithuanian ombudsman institution invited participants to Vilnius in June 2016. Vilnius training - focus on psychiatric facilities The event focused on work and monitoring in psychiatric facilities. Sharing their experiences, the participants devised methods for dealing with the challenges of monitoring so-called “less traditional” places of deprivation of liberty. Selected trainers from the APT presented an interactive and diverse programme. For the first time medical experts were involved as well – including also head of commission Gabriele Fischer – whose broad specialist expertise contributed to the success of the training. In his capacity as IOI Secretary General, Ombudsman Günther Kräuter stressed that above all these less traditional places of detention, such as psychiatric facilities or nursing homes, should move to the forefront of the NPMs’ attention. Experts from the Austrian NPM also attended this workshop. Due to the strong demand, a further IOI NPM training session is planned for 2017. It will be held in Vienna and, in an innovative way, will handle the topic of “do no harm”. 92