BackThe Annual Report 2013 consists of an overview of the Chancellor of Justice's activities for the prevention of ill-treatment (OPCAT) as well as information on its activities as Ombudsman for Children and for the promotion of equality and equal treatment.
Similarly to 2012, the number of petitions received by the Chancellor of Justice decreased during the reporting year. In 2013, the Chancellor received 1901 petitions, which is 6.8% less than in the previous year. In total, the Chancellor opened 1552 cases, which is 3.6% less than in the previous year.
In 2013, 40 inspection visits to 38 places of detention were carried out. The number of unannounced inspection visits was 29. In comparison, 23 inspection visits to 23 places of detention took place in 2012.
In addition to inspection visits, other activities for preventing ill-treatment have been carried out with the aim to raise awareness among staff working at and individuals held in the places of detention, as well as among the wider public, of the essence of ill-treatment and the need to fight it.
Furthermore, the Chancellor of Justice considers international cooperation with other preventive bodies and relevant international organisations to be very important. The Chancellor has been an active member of the Council of Europe Network of National Preventive Mechanisms (NPM) against torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment and punishment.
Source: Chancellor of Justice, ESTONIA
