We recently held a roundtable event as part of our research project examining how ombudspersons can help improve access to justice for refugees and asylum seekers. 

These groups are among the most vulnerable groups in society and face multiple barriers in accessing public services and raising complaints. 

At the event Ombudsman Margaret Kelly provided an overview of NIPSO's engagement with civil society organisations and asylum seekers as we seek to make our service accessible to all.

Research lead Prof. Chris Gill from the University of Glasgow also provided an overview of the findings of a survey of members of the International Ombudsman Institute. 

Presentations were also given from Ombudsman colleagues from Serbia, the Netherlands, Belgium, Greece, Denmark and Ireland. 

The project will conclude with a conference to be held in Belfast in March 2025. Please contact nipso@nipso.org.uk if you require further details.

You can find out more information about the project at: https://oprasproject.wordpress.com/. 

On January 27, 2025, the Public Defender of Georgia, Levan Ioseliani, presented information to the public on the health condition of journalist Mzia Amaglobeli, whom a representative of the Public Defender, a doctor by profession, visited today.

The journalist’s condition, despite the fact that she has been on a hunger strike for more than 2 weeks and only receives water, is currently satisfactory and she does not plan to end the hunger strike. The patient is visited three times a day by the institution’s doctor, she is examined as necessary, and her condition is being monitored in dynamics. The representative of the Public Defender also spoke with the institution’s doctor and saw the patient’s medical documentation.

It should be noted that the Public Defender and his representatives have already visited Mzia Amaglobeli seven times since the day of her arrest. The Office will continue to monitor her health condition.

In addition, at the briefing, the Public Defender also spoke about the activities carried out by the Office during the protests; according to him, his representatives have visited 401 detained citizens, including 15 women and 2 minors, in temporary detention centers in various cities of Georgia over 2 months.

During meetings with detained and injured citizens, the Public Defender's representatives drew up relevant documents on alleged ill-treatment by the police and other types of human rights violations. The documents also indicate information about visible injuries.

241 of the detainees indicated violence by law enforcement officers, 163 individuals had visible injuries. Of the 401 individuals visited, most were detained on administrative and 37 - on criminal charges.

Luna reclama la firma urgente de un nuevo contrato para que el centro siga atendiendo a 40 personas con diversidad funcional

El síndic de Greuges de la Comunitat Valenciana, Ángel Luna, ha instado al Ayuntamiento de Burjassot a impulsar, de manera urgente, la firma de un nuevo contrato de concesión demanial para que el centro ocupacional Nou Renàixer pueda seguir utilizando los locales municipales en los que atiende a usuarios con diversidad funcional . Asimismo, ha pedido a la Conselleria de Servicios Sociales, Igualdad y Vivienda que colabore con la administración local y la cooperativa en la búsqueda de soluciones que permitan la continuidad del centro.

El centro ocupacional Nou Renàixer, gestionado por una cooperativa sin ánimo de lucro, es un servicio concertado por la Generalitat que ofrece 40 plazas (100% públicas) para personas con discapacidad. La actividad se desarrolla en un local municipal desde febrero de 2021. Sin embargo, la actual cesión del local finaliza, según contrato, en febrero de este año.

El Síndic ha manifestado su preocupación por la incertidumbre que esta situación genera, no sólo para los usuarios del centro, sino también para sus familias y los trabajadores que prestan sus servicios en el mismo. Para esta institución, las personas con discapacidad que asisten a dicho centro merecen continuar recibiendo la atención debida y los cuidados y aprendizajes que desarrollan en esas instalaciones por lo que, a falta de otra ubicación, lo más respetuoso con sus derechos sería firmar una nueva concesión demanial, tal y como solicitan los usuarios y sus representantes.

Consulta nuestra resolución sobre este asunto.

Support for human rights systems and defenders  Inter-governmental human rights systems

When 31 January 2025

Where Vienna, Austria

Organised By FRA

FRA event

On 31 January, there will be a study visit to FRA from the Council of Europe’s new Congress of Local and Regional Authorities Standing Rapporteur on Human Rights, Gudrun Mosler-Törnström.

She will be accompanied by two Deputy Standing Rapporteurs. 

They will discuss human rights at local and regional levels and cooperation between FRA and the Council of Europe.

Published January 27, 2025

Today, 27 January 2025, marks 80 years since the Holocaust, a devastating chapter in the history of humanity where millions were killed due to sheer hatred, racism and religious beliefs.

This year, the United Nations has chosen the theme "Holocaust remembrance and education for dignity and human rights", emphasising the importance of safeguarding human rights and dignity as lessons from the past.

The Holocaust not only exemplifies the horrors of unchecked hatred but also highlights the need for unwavering commitment to upholding fundamental human rights.

It was also in the aftermath of these atrocities that the United Nations was established, with a global pledge to protect human dignity and ensure peace through the universal application of human rights.

As an institution committed to promoting governance and the rule of law based on justice and the protection of human rights the Office of the Ombudsman in Malta joins the global community in marking this significant anniversary.

We reaffirm our dedication to defending the rights and dignity of all persons, guided by the lessons of the past and the principles enshrined in the United Nations’ commitment to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.