IOI EUROPE | First meeting held between IOI European Regional Board and ENNHRI Board

The European Regional Board of the International Ombudsman Institute held its first meeting with the European Network of National Human Rights Institutions to explore opportunities for closer collaboration and exchange of practices in addressing evolving human rights challenges across Europe.

The meeting brought together representatives from both organisations to discuss how Ombudsman institutions and National Human Rights Institutions can strengthen cooperation in promoting and protecting human rights, while supporting good governance and accountability.

Opening the meeting, the President of the IOI European Region, Reinier van Zutphen, noted that the objectives of the two organisations are closely aligned. He emphasised the importance of building practical forms of cooperation and resilience at a time when democratic institutions and human rights standards are facing increasing pressures.

The Chair of ENNHRI, Louise Holck, Director of the Danish Institute for Human Rights, observed that developments in the international landscape in recent months have created new challenges for human rights institutions. She stressed that cooperation between organisations allows institutions to learn from one another and strengthens their collective capacity to respond to shared challenges.

Participants also discussed the forthcoming entry into force of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum on 12 June. The discussion highlighted that the new framework places Ombudsman institutions and National Human Rights Institutions at the centre of monitoring mechanisms aimed at safeguarding fundamental rights. This development reinforces the responsibility of oversight institutions to ensure that the rights of vulnerable persons are effectively protected.

The meeting also emphasised the importance of raising public awareness so that individuals, particularly those in vulnerable situations, are better informed about their rights and the role of oversight institutions.

Both organisations agreed on the value of continued dialogue and cooperation and expressed their intention to maintain regular exchanges in the future.

Participants from the IOI European Regional Board included Reinier van Zutphen, President of the IOI European Region, Judge Joseph Zammit McKeon, Vice President of the IOI European Regional Board, Maria Stylianou Lottides, Commissioner for Administration and the Protection of Human Rights of Cyprus, and Olena Kolobrodova representing the Parliamentary Commissioner for Human Rights of Ukraine.

Participants from ENNHRI included Louise Holck, Chair of ENNHRI and Director of the Danish Institute for Human Rights, Debbie Kohner, Secretary General of ENNHRI, Simona Drenik Bavdek, Human Rights Ombudswoman of Slovenia, and Marta Gattini from the ENNHRI Secretariat.

Source: The Office of the Vice President of the IOI's European Region via the Office of the Regional President of the IOI's European Region