Council of Europe highlights role of Ombudsman and NHRIs in defending democracy and Human Rights

Council of Europe highlights role of Ombudsman and NHRIs in defending democracy and Human Rights

Published April 24, 2025

The Luxembourg Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe has issued a declaration reaffirming the essential role of Ombudsperson institutions and National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) in defending democracy, the rule of law, and fundamental rights across Europe. The declaration followed a high-level conference co-organised by the Presidency and the Council of Europe’s Human Rights Directorate.

Held in Strasbourg, between the 27 and 28 of March, the conference brought together representatives from Ombudsman institutions, NHRIs, and their respective networks. It recognised the growing challenges faced by these institutions, including pressure and threats, and called for reinforced cooperation and structural support.

The declaration notes that Ombudsman institutions and NHRIs are key partners for the Council of Europe in implementing the European Convention on Human Rights and promoting democratic resilience. These institutions play a crucial role by raising public awareness, proposing legislative and policy changes, defending citizens' rights, and supporting civil society.

The Presidency also acknowledged the Council of Europe’s standard-setting framework, including the Venice Principles and Committee of Ministers’ Recommendations (CM/Rec(2019)6 and CM/Rec(2021)1), as essential tools to support the development and independence of these institutions.

Among the key proposals outlined in the declaration are:

• Strengthening the cooperation between the Council of Europe and Ombudsman/NHRI networks;
• Continuing the review of implementation of the key recommendations;
• Encouraging future ministerial discussions to reaffirm the importance of these institutions;
• Institutionalising regular high-level conferences;
• Exploring new cooperation initiatives, including training programmes in areas such as artificial intelligence and the implementation of European Court of Human Rights judgments.

Malta will take up the Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe for the next six months, and the Office of the Ombudsman welcomes the strong emphasis placed by the Luxembourg Presidency on the role of Ombudsman institutions. Malta is committed to further strengthening democratic institutions and promoting fundamental rights in line with these shared European values.

The Parliamentary Ombudsman of Malta, Judge Joseph Zammit McKeon, also participated in the Strasbourg conference, delivering a presentation during a workshop dedicated to the Venice Principles and their application in the European context.

The declaration stands as a strong reaffirmation of the importance of Ombudsman and NHRI institutions in upholding human rights, particularly during times of increasing democratic fragility.