BackThe activity was organized by the Office of the Ombudsman of the Republic of Angola and sponsored by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Angola, for the celebration the 73rd Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, whose landmark date is 10 December 1948.
The welcoming remarks were delivered by the Ombudsman of Angola, Dra. Florbela Rocha Araújo, who highlighted the importance of the International Day of Human Rights, to the promotion of rights, freedoms and guarantees of citizens, a moment that should be used to reflect on the Fundamental Rights and the need for cooperation with the Ombudsman institution in the defence and promotion of Rights, Freedoms and Guarantees of citizens and particularly on vulnerable social segments. The Ombudsman also presented a summary of the activities that developed in the first few months of her mandate, both at national and international level, having highlighted, at the national level, visits to various provinces and social institutions, penitentiary establishments and having received various citizens in hearings.
At the international level, the Ombudsman highlighted the signing of the Cooperation Agreements with Portugal and Cape Verde, as well as the Ombudsman's participation various international events organized by, namely the AORC, AOMA, IOI and the network of the Community of Portuguese speaking Countries (CPLP) and being elected as Director of the IOI for the Africa Region.
The opening speech was delivered by the Venerable Judge Counsellor President of the Constitutional Court, Dra. Laurinda Cardoso.
The event involved a series of lectures, moderated by Dr. Ana Paula Godinho, which focused on issues of high relevance to the Ombudsman's Office and sectors that deal with Administrative Justice, and defend the citizens' rights, freedoms and guarantees. These lectures succeeded one another and were divided into the following sub-themes:
- “Ombudsman and the Fundamental Rights of Citizens in relation to the Courts”, presented by the Venerable Counsellor Judge of the Constitutional Court, Dr. Carlos Teixeira;
- “Ombudsman and the Fundamental Rights of Citizens in relation to the Common Courts”, delivered by the Venerable Judge President of the Court of Appeal, Dr. Maria Guiomar Vieira Dias Gamboa;
- “Ombudsman and the Fundamental Rights of Citizens in relation to Public Administration”, presented by University Professor and Lawyer, Dr. Leandro Ferreira.
The activity was attended by representatives of the Head of the Executive, Judges, Public Prosecutors, Members of the National Assembly, Members of the Diplomatic Corps accredited in Angola, Religious Authorities, Academics, Members of International Organizations and Civil Society.
The event was streamed online via videoconference for the other interested parties. The closing speech was delivered by the Honourable President of the Angolan Bar Association, Dr. Paulo Monteiro.
Source: Office of the Ombudsman of Angola
