53 National Dialogue Despite the sudden halt to physical meetings in 2020, the Parliamentary Ombudsman’s Preventive Mechanism (NPM) has continued its dialogue with civil society actors and authorities, primarily digitally. Throughout the year, our national network has contributed significantly to our work, providing us with updated information about how infection control measures have been implemented, and the consequences they have had for those who have been deprived of their liberty. We have also improved our dissemination of knowledge and have continuously published relevant information concerning COVID-19 and deprivation of liberty on our website. The Advisory Committee The Advisory Committee of the National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) consists of seventeen members from organisations with expertise in areas of ­importance to our mandate. The Advisory Com­ mittee members contribute with knowledge and advice, and provide input on the preventive work. In 2020, the Advisory Committee has met three times; the last two meetings were held digitally. We have also maintained ongoing dialogue with members when necessary. The meetings of the Advisory Committee have ­addressed a number of thematic areas. The Committee’s input and advice have been particu­ larly useful in our work of strengthening the use of next of kin as information sources and in providing updated information about the situation for those deprived of their liberty during the Corona pan­ demic. It has also been a forum for presenting input from hearings and published reports, and for discussing and developing our methodology. Members have also used the forum to present their work relevant to the NPM mandate. A digital meeting with the NPM Advisory Committee.