For the sixth consecutive year, National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) in the European Union (EU) have provided insights into their national rule of law landscapes. Overall, these show negative trends in areas such as the enabling space for NHRIs, civil society space and human rights defenders, access to justice, and media freedom. Despite the concerning picture, NHRIs continue working to counter these challenges and some progress is evident. Building on this, they recommend how policymakers can strengthen the rule of law across the EU.

The African Ombudsman Research Centre (AORC), the research and training arm of the African Ombudsman and Mediators Association (AOMA) in collaboration with the International Ombudsman Institute (IOI) cordially invite you to a webinar on Tuesday, 3 June 2025, on "Enhancing Citizen Engagement: Encouraging Greater Utilization of Ombudsman Services by Citizens". Based on the latest IOI Best Practice Paper developed by the Office of the Ombudsman of the Netherlands, this webinar will explore practical strategies to improve visibility, trust, and access to Ombudsman services. Interpretation into all IOI working languages will be available.

On 19 May 2025, 80 representatives of civil society organisations discussed with experts and politicians the impact of budget cuts on women's rights and the rights of persons with disabilities. The NGO Forum was moderated by Austrian Ombudsman Bernhard Achitz.

The IOI Board of Directors held its annual meeting from 11 – 15 May 2025 in Rabat (Morocco). The IOI expresses its gratitude to the host of this meeting, the office of the Mediator of the Kingdom of Morocco, for providing the perfect setting for three days of fruitful discussions and collegial and productive meetings.

During the IOI World Board meeting in Rabat, the IOI European Regional President, Reinier van Zutphen, presented the summary of the 13^th IOI World Conference that was held in The Hague in 2024. The summary gives an impression of the discussions, which the participants had on the four selected themes.

On 24 April 2025, the President of the Republic of Angola, João Lourenço, met at the Presidential Palace in Luanda with a delegation from the Association of African Ombudsman and Mediators, AOMA.

Reflection on the Challenges and Advances of Ombudsman in Africa and Latin America marked the second day of the Central Act celebrating the 20th anniversary of the election of Angola's First Ombudsman. The day was essentially reserved for the International Conference, with the central theme "The Ombudsman: Advances and Challenges".

El Defensor del Pueblo, Ángel Gabilondo, registró el viernes, el 16 de mayo de 2025, en las Cortes Generales el informe Niñas y niños extranjeros en España solos o acompañados.