Ombudsman participates in international conference in Tirana commemorating 25 years of Albania’s People’s Advocate

Ombudsman participates in international conference in Tirana commemorating 25 years of Albania’s People’s Advocate

Published June 25, 2025

The Parliamentary Ombudsman of Malta, Judge Joseph Zammit McKeon, participated in the international conference “National and International Structures to Protect Human Rights: Good Practices and Lessons Learned” held in Tirana, Albania. The event marked the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the People’s Advocate (Ombudsman) of Albania and brought together high-level national and international speakers, human rights institutions, and representatives of regional and global organisations.

The conference was officially opened by Ms Erinda Ballanca, Ombudsman of Albania, who reflected on the institution’s 25-year journey in promoting human rights, advocating for the marginalised, and contributing to democratic accountability in Albania. She emphasised the importance of reaffirming democratic values and human rights at a time of geopolitical uncertainty. Other distinguished speakers included the Minister for Justice of Albania, Mr Ulsi Manja, and representatives of international bodies such as the EU, UN Women, OSCE, the Council of Europe, ENNHRI, and the EU Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA).

In a video message, European Ombudsman Teresa Anjinho described the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights as an inspiring document, while highlighting the gap between its words and their practical implementation. She urged all human rights actors to give the Charter real meaning by holding decision-makers accountable and working with confidence, innovation, and solidarity. FRA Director Sirpa Rautio underscored the role of FRA in supporting national and regional human rights institutions and its engagement with EU institutions to reinforce human rights protections. Beate Rudolf, representing ENNHRI, affirmed that realising human rights for all—including migrants, vulnerable groups, and societies under threat—defines the legitimacy of any state.

Judge Zammit McKeon addressed the opening session of the conference in his dual capacity as the Parliamentary Ombudsman of Malta and as the representative of the IOI European Regional Board. He also participated as Secretary General and Treasurer of the Association of Mediterranean Ombudsmen (AOM). In his speech, the Ombudsman expressed strong support for the continued evolution of the Albanian Ombudsman institution and congratulated Ms Ballanca on her leadership. He highlighted that Malta remains one of only two EU Member States without a National Human Rights Institution (NHRI) fully compliant with the UN Paris Principles. He outlined Malta’s efforts in recent years, including a formal proposal to extend the Ombudsman’s mandate to function also as an NHRI, and the drafting of a new Ombudsman Bill that was presented to the Government but has so far received no response.

Judge Zammit McKeon emphasised that good governance, transparency, and independent oversight are essential for the protection of human rights. He noted that human rights must not remain aspirational but must be implemented in practice and safeguarded in daily life. He praised recent global efforts to establish a network for National Human Rights Action Plans, while warning against governmental lip service to rights protections. The full speech by the Parliamentary Ombudsman is available here.

The second session of the conference focused on institutional experience, regional networks, and international cooperation, featuring contributions from former Albanian Ombudspersons, international organisations, and Mr Reinier van Zutphen, Regional President of Europe of the IOI, through a video message. The event reaffirmed the vital role Ombudsman institutions play in upholding democratic standards, protecting rights, and building resilient societies based on dignity and justice.