Parliamentary Ombudsman, Judge Emeritus Joseph Zammit McKeon, was interviewed by MaltaToday journalist Karl Azzopardi, where he discussed key aspects of his work, the effectiveness of recommendations issued by his Office, and the ongoing proposal for Malta to establish a National Human Rights Institution (NHRI).

During the interview, the Ombudsman highlighted the high rate of implementation of recommendations, noting that in 2023 and 2024, 78% of the recommendations were acted upon. While the majority of cases result in positive outcomes, he acknowledged that there are instances where public authorities do not implement the recommendations. In such cases, the Ombudsman follows the procedure outlined in the Ombudsman Act, escalating unimplemented recommendations first to the Prime Minister, and if no action is taken, the matter is then submitted to Parliament.

The Ombudsman also reiterated his Office’s proposal to formally establish a National Human Rights Institution (NHRI) in Malta, arguing that Malta remains one of the few EU and Council of Europe member states without such an institution. Instead of creating a separate entity, the Ombudsman has proposed that the existing structure of the Office of the Ombudsman be expanded to include the promotion and protection of human rights, ensuring that individuals do not always have to seek legal action through the courts when their rights are infringed. He emphasised that an NHRI would not only provide redress but also work proactively to promote human rights awareness and education.

In line with this proposal, the Ombudsman took a proactive approach by drafting a comprehensive legal framework for this reform, ensuring that the administration has a working document to build upon. He reaffirmed that the role of the Ombudsman extends beyond investigating complaints, as the Office is also responsible for recommending improvements to public administration and governance.

Another key issue raised in the interview was the need for greater parliamentary scrutiny of the Ombudsman’s reports. The Ombudsman noted that, unlike reports issued by the Auditor General and the Commissioner for Standards in Public Life, which are reviewed in parliamentary committees, Ombudsman reports containing unimplemented recommendations are not automatically debated. The Ombudsman made reference to his proposal for the establishment of a dedicated parliamentary select committee that would review reports on cases where recommendations have not been implemented, ensuring greater accountability in public administration.

The interview provided an opportunity for the Ombudsman to highlight the importance of transparency, accountability, and accessibility in public administration, as well as the fundamental role of the Office in safeguarding persons’ rights. He reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the effectiveness of the Ombudsman’s work and ensuring that the institution continues to serve as a bridge between the public and the authorities.

Read the interview here 

The Parliamentary Ombudsman, Judge Emeritus Joseph Zammit McKeon, was interviewed by Prof. Mario Thomas Vassallo, Head of the Policy, Politics and Governance Department at the University of Malta, on the radio programme Agora, aired on Campus FM. The discussion covered various aspects of the Ombudsman’s work, including the effectiveness of its reports, public trust, investigative methods, and future aspirations for the institution.

During the interview, the Ombudsman highlighted that while his recommendations are not legally enforceable, the approach of building bridges and the meticulous investigative process lead to tangible results. In fact, 78% of his recommendations are implemented, reflecting the institution’s credibility and influence in improving public administration. He explained that trust in the Office has grown significantly, with a 137% increase in the number of people seeking assistance and a 6% rise in formal complaints. These figures, he noted, confirm that the Office’s outreach efforts are making a difference and that the strategy of going directly to the people is effective.

The Ombudsman also elaborated on how investigations are conducted, ensuring that all parties involved are heard. In some cases, site visits are carried out to gather a full understanding of the issue at hand. Each case is carefully examined, and recommendations are issued impartially, based on thorough investigation. However, the work of the Ombudsman does not stop there. He follows up on whether the recommendations are implemented, and if they are not, the matter is escalated to the Prime Minister. Should no action be taken at this level, the report is then submitted to Parliament and made public. Confidentiality is strictly upheld throughout the process, and the Ombudsman remains bound by secrecy laws to ensure the integrity of investigations.

One of the key points raised during the interview was the need for Parliament to discuss the Ombudsman’s reports. The Ombudsman referred to his proposal for Parliament to establish a standing committee dedicated to reviewing reports that are not implemented by the public administration. He stressed that accountability should not end with the issuance of recommendations; rather, mechanisms should be in place to ensure follow-up and action.

The Ombudsman further explained his philosophy of building bridges with the public administration. Rather than adopting an adversarial stance, he seeks solutions that address grievances while maintaining constructive dialogue with government entities. In many instances, issues between an aggrieved party and the public administration are resolved without the need for a formal investigation. He regularly meets senior officials within the civil service to address systemic challenges that could impact people’s lives, ensuring that solutions are found efficiently and fairly.

Another important aspect discussed was the legal framework that defines maladministration. The Ombudsman Act outlines that maladministration occurs when an act or omission by the public administration or public authorities is contrary to law, unreasonable, unjust, oppressive, or improperly discriminatory. It also includes cases where actions are based on mistakes of law or fact, or where procedures are unfair or flawed. The Ombudsman emphasised the importance of addressing such issues, as they affect the quality of governance and the rights of individuals who depend on public services.

The interview also touched upon the necessity of Malta having a National Human Rights Institution (NHRI). The Ombudsman strongly believes that the country cannot afford to remain without such a body. To this end, he has proactively submitted a proposal to the government to broaden the remit of the Ombudsman to include the promotion and protection of human rights. His approach has been methodical and strategic, engaging with experts and securing the Office’s associated membership in the European Network of National Human Rights Institutions (ENNHRI) to ensure that the proposal aligns with international standards.

On the subject of moral authority, the Ombudsman explained that the way he is appointed plays a crucial role. Being elected by a unanimous vote in Parliament gives the position legitimacy and reinforces its responsibility to act as a strong advocate for fairness, justice, and good governance. He also noted that the Office’s efforts to be more accessible to the public have been central to its success. By engaging with the media, meeting people in various settings, organising information sessions, and fostering relationships with NGOs and Ambassadors, the Office has strengthened its role as a trusted institution.

The interview concluded with a discussion on the collaboration between the Office of the Ombudsman and the University of Malta in launching the Master of Arts in Ombudsman Law and Governance. The course, which will commence in October 2025, will serve as a regional platform for students from the Mediterranean, Europe, and beyond to explore key themes such as investigation, mediation, legal systems, and fundamental human rights. This international and transdisciplinary programme will also provide students with practical skills in comparative governance, social dialogue, regulation, compliance, and institutional behaviour. This will be the first course of its kind, reinforcing the growing recognition of the Ombudsman’s role in modern governance.

Le 11 février 2005 était adoptée la loi pour l’égalité des droits et des chances, la participation et la citoyenneté des personnes handicapées. Considérée à l’époque comme une refondation de la politique du handicap, cette loi se donnait pour objectifs de faciliter la participation des personnes handicapées à la vie en société et de faciliter leur maintien en milieu ordinaire. À l’occasion du 20e anniversaire de la loi, la Défenseure des droits dresse le bilan et adresse ses recommandations pour l’avenir des politiques publiques en matière de handicap.

Le 20 janvier 2025, la Défenseure des droits, a adressé une contribution à la mission d’information de la Commission des affaires sociales du Sénat visant à dresser un bilan de la loi du 11 février 2005 pour l’égalité des droits et des chances, la participation et la citoyenneté des personnes handicapées.
À partir des réclamations qui lui sont adressées, Claire Hédon dresse dans ce document un état des lieux de l’effectivité des droits des personnes handicapées en matière de discriminations en emploi, d’éducation, d’accès aux activités périscolaires et d’accès aux biens et services.

Mardi 11 février, la Défenseure des droits participait à une matinée d’échange organisée par le Conseil économique social et environnemental. 
Au-delà du simple bilan, cette évènement se proposait de décrypter 20 années de politiques publiques en matière de participation citoyenne des personnes en situation de handicap et de réfléchir aux nouvelles perspectives pour l’égalité des droits et des chances.

El Defensor del Pueblo, Ángel Gabilondo, ha asistido este lunes en el Congreso de los Diputados a la presentación del libro ‘Discursos Parlamentarios de José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero. Presidente del Gobierno 2004-2011’.

Esta publicación se enmarca en una colección de libros que irán viendo la luz en los próximos meses. En ellos se recogen los discursos parlamentarios más relevantes de los presidentes del Ejecutivo y del Legislativo.

En lo que llevamos de año se han presentado los de Mariano Rajoy, presidente del Gobierno entre 2011 y 2018, y los de José Bono, presidente del Congreso de los Diputados entre 2008 y 2011.

En el acto han intervenido, junto al ex presidente José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, la presidenta del Congreso, Francina Armengol y el ex diputado José Andrés Torres Mora. Además, han asistido la ministra de Educación, Formación Profesional y Deportes, Pilar Alegría; el ministro de la Presidencia, Justicia y Relaciones con las Cortes de España, Félix Bolaños, y el ministro para la Transformación Digital y de la Función Pública, Óscar López. Han estado presentes también, entre otros, ministros del Gobierno de José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, la ex presidenta del Congreso, Meritxell Batet, miembros de la Mesa del Congreso, portavoces de algunos grupos parlamentarios y diputados y diputadas de la actual legislatura.

El defensor del Pueblo, Ángel Gabilondo, se ha reunido este lunes, en la sede de la institución, con el embajador del Reino de los Países Bajos, Roel Nieuwenkamp.  

Durante el encuentro han abordado asuntos relativos a la defensa de los derechos y libertades ciudadanas. También han conversado sobre la labor del Defensor del Pueblo, y sobre organismos internacionales para la defensa de los derechos humanos que trabajan coordinadamente en Europa, como European Network of Ombudsmen (ENO) o  European Network of National Human Rights Institutions (ENNHRI).

En España residen miles de ciudadanos originarios de los Países Bajos.

En el encuentro también ha participado el encargado de Política Económica y Asuntos Políticos de la Embajada del Reino de los Países Bajos en España, Ayoub Borakruf, y la directora del gabinete del Defensor del Pueblo, Isabel Aymerich.