Deputy Ombudsperson takes part in High Level Conference at the Council of Europe

The Deputy Ombudsperson took part in the High Level Conference for Ombudsmen and National Human Rights Institutions (INDH), held on 27 and 28 March 2025 at the Palais de l’Europe in Strasbourg.

Representing the Ombudsman, Estrela Chaby took part in this meeting promoted by the Council of Europe, under the presidency of Luxembourg, which brought together around a hundred experts and representatives of national and international institutions, such as the Venice Commission, to discuss challenges, means and opportunities in the defence of the rule of law, human rights and democracy, in a context of crises and rapid social and technological transformations.

Over the course of the two days, topics such as the role of ombudsmen and NHRIs in protecting the rule of law and human rights, the importance of transparency and public participation in decision-making, the dissemination and application of the European Convention on Human Rights today and monitoring the implementation of decisions by the European Court of Human Rights were discussed. The conference also addressed opportunities for cooperation between NHRIs and the Council of Europe, as well as the challenges posed by digitalisation and artificial intelligence to public decision-making.

The forum highlighted the confluence of concerns and themes to which the Ombudsman has been devoting particular attention, such as the risks associated with the digital transition, the integration of the Convention’s requirements into the Ombudsman’s daily work, or the need to strengthen the presence of NHRIs and Ombudsmen among the younger generations and the most vulnerable.

The meeting emphasised that, in the face of common challenges and between institutions of a similar nature, the sharing of experiences and appropriate coordination can lead to more effective responses in line with international standards.