INTRODUCTION The key role of the Ombudsman acting as National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) is counteracting torture and other forms of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment in places of detention.1 Tackling this problem implies not only individual liability and effective sanctions for perpetrators of such acts, but effective intervention by the institutions and society at large for adequate actions to eradicate this phenomenon. Protecting human rights where they are violated is a mission. The National Preventive Mechanism carries out this mission by performing continual and independent monitoring of places of detention and identifying potential risks of torture or other forms of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment. This mission is further performed by publicly denouncing human rights violations. Acting upon this commitment, I present to your attention the Fourth Annual Report of the Ombudsman acting as National Preventive Mechanism. It is more than just a report. It comprises summaries of the conducted inspections, analysis of the problems identified in the inspected places as well as an assessment of how human rights are respected there. Concrete recommendations are made. The report further evaluates action taken by the respective authorities upon recommendations made by the NPM. The report targets national institutions and international organisations working to protect detainees, civil society organisations and professionals involved with the protection of detainees’ rights. The progress established in some of the monitored areas in response to the Ombudsman’s recommendations demonstrates the positive effect of monitoring and interagency cooperation. Mutual efforts open better opportunities for achieving the goals set forth in international and domestic law and for improving its practical application. MAYA MANOLOVA OMBUDSMAN OF THE REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA Places of detention are all places which detainees cannot leave out of their free will such as prisons, psychiatric institutions, police custody facilities, child protection institutions, homes for elderly people, refugee or migration centres etc. 1 5