NATIONAL PREVENTIVE MECHANISM AGAINST TORTURE AND ILL-TREATMENT 2019 In that context, the NPM proceeds to the planning of its operations embarking from the solid conviction that, constituting the heaviest restriction against freedom, detention must be an exceptional measure and must be imposed only when it cannot be avoided and alternative measures cannot be implemented. 1.b. The National Preventive Mechanism in 2019 In 2019, the Ombudsman ran its 6th year of operation as the National Preventive Mechanism. Having accumulated significant expertise as an independant authority for the monitoring and inspection of the conditions in detention facilities, the Ombudsman aimed at an integrated approach including both institutional and practical interventions regarding the conditions at detention facilities. It aimed at developing an integrated system for the monitoring and inspection of detainees' rights who face any form of freedom deprivation on penal, administrative, mental or welfare grounds. In that context, it has adopted improvements in its inspection methodology and attempted to enhance its deliberative culture with the administration via regular notification of its reports, findings and recommendations. In particular, the NPM's list of inspected facilities has been the output of the Mechanism's central planning but also has taken into consideration complaints lodged by detainees regarding detention, their living conditions and rights violations. Furthermore, the NPM has monitored relevant institutional developments and maintained a regular line of communication with the competent Ministries and administrations of the inspected detention facilities aiming at identifying red flag incidents which could either result in interventions of the NPM's own motion or required amendments at a policy level. Finally, the NMP's representatives have attended meetings and participated in networks at a European and peripheral level, thus enhancing the NMP's international cooperations and networking. 16