24 June 2022
Europe NPM Network in 2022, which was organized by the Austrian Ombudsman Board, that chairs the NPM Network, from 20-22 June in Vienna. The topic of the meeting was "Special needs of the elderly and persons with physical disabilities in places of deprivation of liberty".
At the meeting, it was emphasized that the elderly and persons with physical disabilities, in circumstances of deprivation of liberty, should be accommodated together with other convicts, in adequate conditions adapted to their needs, with full respect for their dignity. Convicts in need of special care should also be accommodated in adequate material conditions, with the availability of a sufficient number of trained caregivers.
The participants agreed that all employees, who are involved in the supervision and care of the elderly and persons with physical disabilities in places of deprivation of liberty, should regularly attend specific training.
It was also concluded that in the process of preparing for release, the competent state authorities should ensure adequate assistance to those categories of persons, in accordance with their individual needs. During the meeting, the participants exchanged experiences and practices on the topic of NPM's relations with the public.
