National preventive mechanisms (NPM) from 13 countries gathered in Zagreb on 29 and 30 November 2016 for the Conference of NPMs of the South-East Europe Network.

The Conference was dedicated to the marking of 10 years of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OPCAT). During the two days, the event included discussions on strengthening the follow-up of NPM
recommendations, implementation of the UN Mandela Rules and the role of NPMs in protection of refugees and migrants.

The conference included participation of the representatives of the Council of Europe, OSCE/ODIHR and the UN Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture (SPT). It is organised by the Office of the Ombudswoman of Croatia, with the support of the Ludwig Boltzmann Institute, Council of Europe and Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) of Switzerland.

NPMs are in charge with the prevention of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment in places where persons deprived of their liberty, as well as the persons who are detained, imprisoned or placed in a public custodial setting which they are not allowed to leave, are kept. In Croatia, NPM was founded in 2012., under the authority of the Office of the Ombudswoman.