Ombudsman participates in ENNHRI General Assembly in Brussels

Ombudsman participates in ENNHRI General Assembly in Brussels

Published November 19, 2025

The Parliamentary Ombudsman, Judge Joseph Zammit McKeon, participated in the 2025 General Assembly of the European Network of National Human Rights Institutions (ENNHRI) held in Brussels. The Assembly brought together members from across Europe to approve the ENNHRI Strategic Plan 2026–2030 and adopt the accompanying Operational Plan and the Budget for 2026. It also served as a platform to assess progress made since the previous meeting in March 2025 and to coordinate efforts in advancing human rights, democracy, and the rule of law across Europe.

ENNHRI’s Strategic Plan for 2026–2030 is built around three interconnected outcomes. These recognise that strong and resilient National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) are in the best position to promote and protect human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. The more effectively NHRIs fulfil their mandates, the more legitimacy and public trust they generate, which in turn contributes to a stronger network. A cohesive and well-resourced ENNHRI network reinforces individual members through solidarity, tools, and a shared voice.

The first outcome focuses on supporting the establishment and development of NHRIs that comply with the UN Paris Principles. This includes providing accreditation support, building resilience in the face of shared and future challenges, and delivering tailored assistance to NHRIs under political or institutional threat.

The second outcome aims to increase awareness and implementation of human rights. ENNHRI will strengthen the ability of its members to address key human rights challenges, support their participation in regional and international mechanisms, and promote enabling environments for civil society and human rights defenders.

The third outcome targets ENNHRI’s own development. It sets out objectives to enhance cooperation within and beyond the network, strengthen internal governance structures, and ensure financial and operational sustainability.

The General Assembly also reviewed ENNHRI’s Progress Report for 2025, which highlighted recent achievements and developments. These included the accession of Monaco and Iceland as associate members, as well as tailored support for institutions in Finland, Sweden, Ukraine, and Bulgaria. The report noted ENNHRI’s continued support for NHRIs under pressure, particularly in Moldova, Montenegro, and Scotland. Over the past year, ENNHRI actively contributed to policy debates at European level, including the EU’s Civil Society Strategy and the European Commission’s Rule of Law reporting process.

Through its working groups, ENNHRI addressed emerging thematic challenges including artificial intelligence, business and human rights, migration and asylum, climate change, and the rights of older persons and persons with disabilities. ENNHRI encouraged all members to actively contribute to these working groups and engage in shared learning across jurisdictions.

To support internal governance and transparency, ENNHRI introduced a procedure that allows the Board to periodically review the progress of non-voting and associate members in achieving full compliance with the Paris Principles. Member institutions are required to submit regular updates on their actions, national context, challenges, and areas where support is needed.

The Office of the Ombudsman in Malta, which became an Associate Member of ENNHRI in January 2024, is one such institution working toward full compliance. In November 2024, the Office formally presented a draft bill to the Government proposing an expanded mandate to include the promotion and protection of fundamental rights. This initiative was a proactive step by the Office of the Ombudsman to align its mandate with the Paris Principles and to enable eventual application for A-status accreditation.