visited once; and 5 joint operations related to returning migrants from the EU countries were monitored. 2.2. COMMUNICATION WITH STAKEHOLDERS In compliance with its mandate the NPM gives due consideration to the need for maintaining good communication with stakeholders. Notably, it is impossible to carry out inspection, draft recommendations and consequently advocate for and follow up the implementation of recommendations without engaging in the dialogue with civil society, international organizations, relevant governmental authorities and other stakeholders. In this regard, various important activities had been carried out in 2017. 2.2.1. DIALOGUE WITH THE GOVERNMENT AUTHORITIES During the reporting period, the NPM maintained active communication and engaged in dialogue with government authorities. Meetings were held both individually and within various working groups. Throughout the reporting period several meetings were held with the Minister of Corrections and other representatives of the Ministry on particular problems existing in the penitentiary system and on activities carried out for the purpose to fulfill certain recommendations of the Public Defender. 2.2.2. DIALOGUE WITH DIPLOMATIC MISSIONS AND INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS In 2017, the NPM had active communication with diplomatic missions and international organizations in Georgia as well as abroad. The Public Defender and representatives of the NPM were participating in different forums and meetings held under the aegis of international organizations. 2.2.3. PUBLIC RELATIONS The provision of information concerning the human rights situation at the places of deprivation of liberty to the public remains one of the priorities set by the NPM. This objective is achieved through the publication of after-visit, special and annual reports, organizing various events, meetings and via media. On June 26, 2017, the NPM presented its annual report.4 In 2017, the NPM prepared, published and submitted three after-visit reports describing situation in N3, N5 and N17 penitentiary establishments.5 In Addition, two special reports “Privatization of Mental Health Care Facilities in Georgia – Assessment, Conclusions and Recommendations to the Georgian Government”6 and the report on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Georgia were published7. 4 Available at: http://www.ombudsman.ge/en/reports/specialuri-angarishebi/the-report-of-the-nationalpreventive-mechanism-2016.page [last seen: 20.06.2018]. 5 Available in Georgian at: http://www.ombudsman.ge/ge/reports/national-preventive-mechanismreports/reports-after-the-visit [last seen: 10.06.2018]. 6 Available at: http://www.ombudsman.ge/uploads/other/4/4590.pdf [last seen: 10.06.2018]. 7 Available at: http://www.ombudsman.ge/uploads/other/4/4563.pdf [last seen: 10.06.2018]. 4