Maria Stylianou-Lottidi reaffirms commitment to prevention of torture on International Day

On the occasion of the UN International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, Commissioner for Administration and Human Rights Maria Stylianou-Lottidi affirmed the mandate of the National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) in Cyprus. Established in 1998 by the UN General Assembly, June 26 serves as a reminder of the absolute and non-derogable prohibition of torture under international law, including Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights. Lottidi emphasized that the NPM conducts regular and unannounced inspections in various facilities, including prisons, police stations, migrant centers, the Athalassa Psychiatric Hospital, and long-term care structures for the elderly and disabled. The core objective of these visits is to ensure compliance with human rights standards and to prevent inhumane or degrading treatment. The Commissioner noted that the ban on such acts allows for no exceptions, regardless of peace, crisis, or emergency conditions. This systemic monitoring aims to uphold human dignity and reinforce the commitment of the Republic of Cyprus to international human rights obligations.