JEAN-JACQUES GAUTIER NPM SYMPOSIUM 2016 organisations and intergovernmental bodies, as well as experts on disability rights and on mental health. The programme was divided into two parts. The first day and a half brought together all the participants who discussed the following main topics: involuntary placement and treatment; seclusion and means of restraints; respect for dignity and the right to privacy; the role and capacity of NPMs to evaluate treatment and, finally, the issue of alternatives to institutionalisation. Part one included a discussion on the standards relevant to monitoring work and the challenges of implementing these in practice. It also identified the risk factors experienced by persons deprived of liberty in psychiatric institutions. Part two (last afternoon) brought together the representatives of NPMs and SPT only for an exchange among peers. The participants were able to share the challenges specific to monitoring psychiatric institutions and discuss good practices in order to address these challenges more effectively. 2