3 Foreword The Norwegian Correctional Service quickly introduced intrusive measures to prevent outbreaks of infection in prisons; and we were therefore concerned about how the pandemic would affect the conditions in prisons. In the period following the lockdown of society, we therefore for the first time conducted “visits” without an actual physical presence. Investigations were conducted using telephone interviews, document reviews and a questionnaire distributed to inmates in a selection of prisons. In the report, the Ombudsman highlight­ ed eight issues to the responsible authorities. The purpose was to help to contribute to a reduction in the risk of inhuman and degrading treatment in case of a new pandemic outbreak. This work is described in more detail in the first article in Chapter 3. As the infection situation stabilised in the summer, many had experienced a more restricted daily life as a result of the measures. Persons in care homes and people with intellectual disabilities living in shared accommodation stood out as groups that were particularly affected by intrusive restrictions. We therefore chose to temporarily amend our plans and instead to address two new sectors for the prevention mandate. During the autumn, we prepared and conducted several visits to care homes and shared accommo­ dation for persons with intellectual disabilities. The visits were conducted using a combination of phys­ ical presence, telephone and video interviews and document reviews. In both sectors, we anticipated meeting persons who could face challenges in communicating complete information, or who were particularly vulnerable to infection and therefore difficult to interview. This led us to further expand our use of sources. Family and guardians consti­ tuted for the first time important sources in our investigations. This provided very useful information and added new perspectives to our visits. The visits that were conducted during the pandemic and the follow-up of other visits in 2020 are described in further detail in Chapter 4. During the spring, we had extensive communication with national and international partners regarding how the pandemic affected the situation for those who were deprived of their liberty. The NPM’s Advisory Committee provided important input. We also launched a website with information about COVID-19 and persons deprived of their liberty. We have strengthened internal competence and developed new working methods. External experts have added new and valuable knowledge to the NPM. This work is described in Chapter 5. The work on preventing torture and inhuman treatment is global, and international cooperation has been particularly crucial in 2020. This is elaborated on in Chapter 6. It has been important and inspiring to discuss new challenges with other national preventive mechanisms, international organisations and human rights bodies. This dialogue contributed to ensure that the Parliamen­ tary Ombudsman could resume its investigations relatively quickly after the lockdown of society in March, with new and adapted methods. The cooperation between the preventive mechanisms in the Nordic countries has been particularly produc­ tive in this period. Photo: Mona Ødegård The pandemic did not make the work of identifying and preventing risk of torture and inhuman treat­ ment any less important; but our working methods had to be adapted and priorities temporarily amended. Hanne Harlem sivilombudsmann