The Parliamentary Ombudsman of Malta addresses the impact of the Venice Principles at High-Level Council of Europe Conference
Published March 28, 2025
The Parliamentary Ombudsman of Malta addresses the impact of the Venice Principles at High-Level Council of Europe Conference
Published March 28, 2025
The second day of the High-Level Conference for Ombudsperson Institutions and National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs), organised under the auspices of the Luxembourg Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, focused on the critical role of Ombudspersons and NHRIs in upholding the rule of law. Discussions addressed the impact of the Venice Principles on Ombudsman Institutions in Europe and beyond, explored cooperation opportunities with the Council of Europe, and examined the risks and opportunities related to public decision-making in the digital age.
The day’s proceedings were opened by the Minister of Justice of Poland, Adam Bodnar, a former Ombudsman of Poland. Minister Bodnar emphasised the importance of Ombudsman institutions maintaining their autonomy and independence, especially in times when democratic institutions are under increasing pressure.
During the third workshop, the Parliamentary Ombudsman of Malta, Judge Emeritus Joseph Zammit McKeon, delivered a presentation discussing the relevance and application of the Venice Principles to the Maltese context. He outlined the relationship between the Venice Principles and the Parliamentary Ombudsman of Malta, highlighting how these principles serve as an important international benchmark for institutional independence and effectiveness. He also addressed the Venice Commission’s previous opinions on Malta, particularly those concerning the institutional role and effectiveness of the Ombudsman.
Judge Zammit McKeon reflected on the implementation of the Venice Principles in the Mediterranean region, noting both the progress achieved and the challenges that remain. He also highlighted the importance of the 2024 United Nations General Assembly Resolution on Ombudsman and mediator institutions, which reinforces the global recognition of their role in promoting human rights, good governance, and the rule of law. In his intervention, the Ombudsman emphasised that this resolution provides further international support for the evolution of Ombudsman institutions, particularly those, like Malta’s, that are advocating to become fully-fledged National Human Rights Institutions.
As part of his contribution to the discussion, the Ombudsman submitted a written paper exploring these themes in greater detail. The paper will be made available for download through this article shortly.
