Closing Ceremony - Speech by the Parliamentary Ombudsman during the closing ceremony of the International Ombudsman Conference

Closing Ceremony - Speech by the Parliamentary Ombudsman during the closing ceremony of the International Ombudsman Conference

Published October 16, 2025

Hon Prime Minister
Hon Leader of the Opposition
Excellencies
Colleagues
Distinguished Guests

Good Afternoon

We have listened and dwelt on the various aspects that make the theme of this Conference.  I thank all the speakers for their exceptional presentations.

The defence of justice is a universal benchmark that should guide us in the  difficult times we are experiencing.  

Within the framework of our mandate as ombudsman and/or human rights institutions, insistence on our part on the application of the principles of good governance is of paramount importance.

In principle upholding good governance should not be a matter of dispute.

The problem is translating principle into  fact.  

Good governance should include :

Transparent and participatory decision-making processes, that leave no interested party out.  

Accountable and responsive exercise of power that follows proper conduct and rules.  

The rule of law 
Not a scarecrow.
Nor a slogan.  
But the real thing, that is the fair and non-discriminatory application of the law in a manner that does not allow it to be sidelined or forgotten for any reason, including expediency.
  

Effectiveness by serving the public efficiently. Equity and Inclusiveness, justice in the true sense of the word 

Our institutions have made a positive difference in the lives of people, by rejecting unfair treatment and discrimination, and  by proposing improvements in the delivery of public services.  

The Ombuds institution in Malta has witnessed an increased acknowledgement by public servants that the Office is not there to create problems for them.  

Public officers who view their job as an office of service contribute significantly towards the common good,  despite objective difficulties. 

Those public officials who view their status as a position from where to wield power will learn by experience that such an approach is short-lived because public opinion will at the end of the day hold all to account.

A public administration that is overseen by an independent institution should not viewed as an operational hindrance.   It is the interest of all to believe that there is a Constitutional Office like the Ombudsman that is willing to listen and act without raising barriers of any sort, giving everyone his due, championing material justice, and going beyond legal intricacies.

A democratic society cannot risk placing public confidence and trust low in the list of its priorities. 

Mistakes do happen and many times can be remedied, provided there is good faith and the honesty to admit mistakes not necessarily in public.  

A culture of accountability allows for whatever requires correction. 

Our times are difficult and uncertain.

Human humiliation in all its forms is not  past history but has become a crime of universal dimensions. Humiliation destroys hope.  We have an obligation to denounce human humiliation worldwide by upholding human dignity, the inherent worth that belongs to every person, regardless of who they are or where they come from. Against humiliation, we must react by affirming respect, where every human being is seen, heard, and valued.

Governance frameworks need to reaffirm universal values that should remain the same for all and always. They are the essence of democracy that, whatever it takes, cannot be allowed to die in darkness.

I firmly believe that we are a country that is predominantly humane and understanding. 

We have already proved so many times that we can be a socially responsible country.  

Nonetheless we need to be more caring and place the common good as our primary consideration.  

As a community, we cannot afford to have within us people who are forgotten or people who have never had a voice or people who have lost their voice. 

We have to strive to be more of a society where the rights of persons are not only respected but that have institutions that are there to defend them.
To conclude

The promotion and protection of human rights is not a luxury, but the foundation of every democratic State.  

The culture of dialogue and observance of human rights should be the order of the day in any democracy.  Human rights will be sidelined as long as persons are treated as numbers and not as legitimate holders of rights.

The Office of the Ombudsman is there for these persons as well.

I wish you all the very best,

Thank you