Visit of the Kyrgyz National Center for the Prevention of Torture at the Austrian Ombudsman Board

During their exchange of views, the Kyrgyz delegation discussed the problems they were facing in fighting torture. Kyrgyz authorities often deny them any access to establishments where torture might occur. Ombudsman Dr. Fichtenbauer reported about the legal obligation of Austrian institutions to open their doors to investigations initiated by the Austrian Ombudsman Board and to provide any information requested.

Furthermore, Ombudsman Dr. Fichtenbauer gave his guests a brief introduction into the history of the Austrian Ombudsman Board and presented the weekly TV show “Der Bürgeranwalt”, which serves as a media platform for the Austrian Ombudsmen. Moreover, the Kyrgyz guests were particularly interested in how the Austrian Ombudsman Board was implementing its National Prevention Mechanism.

The following day, the Kyrgyz delegation ceased the opportunity to accompany one of the Commissions during their visit to an accommodation for mentally ill people.