The third annual thematic lecture brought together international and Maltese experts to discuss prevention, treatment, care, mental health policy and the importance of protecting human dignity.

A national discussion on mental health

The Office of the Parliamentary Ombudsman, in collaboration with the House of Representatives, organised its third annual thematic lecture on 29 October 2026 in the Plenary Hall of the Parliament of Malta. This year's lecture focused on "Mental health risks and concerns: strategic goals and best practices for prevention, treatment and care".

The event, hosted by the Parliamentary Ombudsman, Judge Joseph Zammit McKeon, and presided over by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Hon. Carmelo Abela, brought together leading international and Maltese experts in psychiatry, primary care, public health and mental health policy.

The lecture provided a forum to examine mental health from clinical, institutional and societal perspectives. The discussions addressed prevention and early intervention, access to treatment, the development of community-based services, the importance of reducing stigma, the relationship between mental and physical health, and the need for public policies that safeguard the rights and dignity of persons experiencing mental health difficulties.

The event attracted considerable interest and was fully booked. Participants included Members of Parliament, Permanent Secretaries, Chief Executive Officers of public entities, Directors and Heads of Department, senior healthcare professionals, academics, representatives of non-governmental organisations and civil society, and persons occupying senior managerial and decision-making positions.

The broad representation reflected the growing recognition that mental health extends beyond the healthcare sector and requires coordinated responses from public institutions, professionals, families, workplaces and society.

Speaker of the House of Representatives: mental health as a shared societal responsibility

In his opening address, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Hon. Carmelo Abela, emphasised that mental health is fundamental to personal and societal well-being. He called for greater awareness, accessible support services and stronger collaboration among public institutions, healthcare professionals, families and communities.

Mr Speaker observed that, despite greater public understanding, stigma and prejudice continue to discourage persons from seeking assistance. He stressed the importance of encouraging open conversations about mental health and developing a culture in which mental health receives the same attention and importance as physical health.

He also highlighted prevention and early intervention as essential components of effective mental healthcare, together with an integrated, person-centred approach that safeguards the rights, dignity and well-being of those experiencing mental health difficulties.

Referring to the pressures faced by persons in public life, including Members of Parliament and healthcare professionals, Mr Speaker emphasised that mental health challenges can affect anyone, irrespective of their responsibilities or professional position.

His address also considered wider factors influencing mental health, including workplace pressures, technological developments, gaming and gambling, and environmental conditions.

Parliamentary Ombudsman: mental health services must be designed around the person

The Parliamentary Ombudsman, Judge Joseph Zammit McKeon, placed human dignity, accessibility and institutional responsibility at the centre of his address.

He emphasised that mental health should be regarded as a concern for society as a whole, extending beyond the treatment of illness to the creation of conditions that allow persons to recognise distress, seek support and receive appropriate care.

The Ombudsman observed that statistics, while important, can sometimes conceal the human realities behind mental health difficulties. He referred to persons experiencing anxiety, depression, loneliness, work-related stress and other challenges that may not always be visible to others.

He argued that the response to mental health must extend beyond recognising illness and providing treatment. Society must also develop the capacity to identify difficulties early, respond appropriately and accompany persons through recovery.

Prevention before crisis

The Ombudsman devoted particular attention to prevention, emphasising the responsibility of public institutions to identify risks and provide support before difficulties escalate.

Speaking from the perspective of an independent constitutional oversight institution, he raised questions about whether schools provide safe environments for children to express their difficulties, whether workplaces adequately recognise human limitations, whether older persons have opportunities for meaningful social participation, and whether public services are sufficiently accessible to persons experiencing mental health challenges.

He identified excessive workloads, bullying, discrimination, insecurity and social isolation as factors that can negatively affect psychological well-being.

These considerations, he explained, may require adjustments in policy and administration to strengthen protective measures and ensure that public services respond to persons' circumstances and needs.

From listening to meaningful action

Another central message of the Ombudsman's address concerned the importance of listening and responding.

While encouraging persons to speak openly about their mental health is essential, he emphasised that doing so creates a corresponding responsibility for institutions, professionals and society to listen and act.

He argued that compassion and understanding must be accompanied by practical measures that enable persons to obtain the assistance they require.

The Ombudsman highlighted the importance of primary healthcare and community-based services, which can help persons access support at an earlier stage and maintain their connections with family, employment and community life.

He stressed that accessibility should be understood in practical terms, including affordability, reasonable waiting times and services that persons can navigate and use effectively.

Central to this approach was his message that "The system must be designed around the person", rather than expecting persons to adapt to the system's operational priorities and requirements.

Human dignity and the right to appropriate care

The Parliamentary Ombudsman also addressed the relationship between mental health, fundamental rights and human dignity.

He stressed that mental health difficulties must never diminish the protection of a person's rights. Access to appropriate care, protection against degrading treatment and freedom from discrimination must remain central to mental health services.

He advocated person-centred, rights-based and recovery-oriented care, recognising that recovery extends beyond managing symptoms. It also involves rebuilding relationships, regaining autonomy, returning to education or employment, and restoring hope and purpose.

The Ombudsman also highlighted the important role of families and carers, whose emotional and practical responsibilities require recognition and support.

He concluded by calling for a shift from awareness towards meaningful social and institutional responsibility:

"We have to move on from awareness to caring behaviour and responsibility."

His address reinforced the role of the Office of the Ombudsman in promoting good administration, safeguarding human dignity and encouraging public institutions to place the needs and rights of persons at the centre of service delivery.

Ombudsperson Karina Palkova has called on the Cabinet of Ministers to revise the regulations governing the individual reimbursement of state-funded medicines, ensuring that patients with severe and progressive illnesses do not lose access to public support when their treatment needs change.

According to the Ombudsperson, patients should continue to receive reimbursement when their existing therapy becomes ineffective and medical specialists determine that alternative medication is necessary.

Under the current regulatory framework, individual circumstances and medical needs cannot always be adequately assessed. As a result, some patients may be denied reimbursement for medicines that represent their only remaining treatment option.

The Ombudsperson stresses that such situations raise concerns regarding the right to health and equal access to healthcare, as patients should not be placed at a disadvantage simply because their condition requires a different course of treatment.

“A patient’s right to healthcare should not depend solely on the stage of their illness. If the state has established an individual reimbursement mechanism for exceptional cases, it must be accessible to all patients on the basis of equal and objective criteria, including when a disease progresses and treating physicians determine that a different therapy is medically necessary,” emphasizes Ombudsperson Karina Palkova.

The Ombudsperson acknowledges that healthcare resources are finite and that governments must make difficult decisions regarding their allocation. However, any regulatory framework governing access to publicly funded healthcare must be fair, consistent, and based on objective criteria. Patients in comparable situations should not be treated differently without a reasonable and evidence-based justification. The Ombudsperson also notes that the existing individual reimbursement system already contains safeguards that enable authorities to assess medical necessity, treatment effectiveness, and potential implications for public expenditures.

Particular concern arises from the fact that patients for whom medicines included in the standard reimbursement scheme are unsuitable from the outset may be eligible for an individual assessment, while patients whose condition progresses and requires a change in treatment during the course of their illness can lose access to that possibility. According to the Ombudsperson, such differential treatment raises questions about compliance with the principles of equality and non-discrimination and therefore requires a clear, objective, and proportionate justification.

The Ombudsperson also highlights the importance of maintaining a clear division of responsibilities between healthcare professionals and public authorities. Decisions regarding the most appropriate medical treatment should be based on the professional judgment of healthcare specialists, while state institutions should determine the conditions under which public funding is provided.

The Ombudsperson calls on the Cabinet of Ministers to amend the current regulatory framework to ensure equal treatment of patients regardless of how their illness progresses or at what stage of treatment they are. The revised framework should establish a clear procedure for the individual assessment of exceptionally justified cases, along with transparent and understandable criteria for decision-making.

The Cabinet of Ministers has been requested to inform the Ombudsperson by 1 December 2026 of the measures it intends to take. The Ombudsperson has not ruled out the possibility of bringing the matter before the Constitutional Court should the identified shortcomings remain unaddressed.

Human dignity, equality, and the right to accessible healthcare are fundamental values of a democratic and socially responsible state. Every patient should therefore have the opportunity to receive an individual and fair assessment of their situation, particularly when decisions may affect the preservation of life, the stabilization of health conditions, or the improvement of quality of life.

Cinque anni di impegno tra diritti, istituzioni e ascolto. Dalla collaborazione tra i Difensori civici regionali alle conferenze internazionali in Italia, un percorso che ha rafforzato le relazioni e la visibilità della Difesa civica italiana nel mondo.

Con la conclusione del mandato di Difensore civico della Regione Lazio, il 20 ottobre 2026, si chiude anche la mia esperienza alla guida del Coordinamento Nazionale dei Difensori Civici delle Regioni e delle Province Autonome Italiane, un incarico che ho vissuto con responsabilità, passione e profondo senso delle istituzioni.

Sono stati cinque anni intensi, caratterizzati dall’impegno quotidiano per la tutela dei diritti dei cittadini, dal confronto con le istituzioni e dalla volontà di rafforzare il ruolo della Difesa civica, tanto a livello regionale quanto nel panorama nazionale e internazionale.

Un percorso che mi ha consentito di conoscere da vicino tante realtà territoriali, condividere esperienze, affrontare criticità e costruire relazioni umane e istituzionali che considero uno dei risultati più preziosi di questa esperienza.

Il mio primo e più sentito ringraziamento va a tutte le colleghe e a tutti i colleghi Difensori civici, a coloro che hanno condiviso con me questo cammino e a quelli che ho avuto il piacere di conoscere nel corso degli anni. A chi ha ricoperto questi incarichi prima di noi, a chi li svolge oggi e a chi continuerà a farlo in futuro, rivolgo la mia gratitudine per il confronto, la collaborazione e la disponibilità dimostrati.

Abbiamo condiviso una missione comune: dare voce a chi spesso fatica a essere ascoltato, intervenire laddove emergono difficoltà nel rapporto tra cittadini e istituzioni e promuovere una Pubblica Amministrazione sempre più accessibile, trasparente e vicina alle persone.

Una difesa civica italiana sempre più protagonista a livello internazionale

Uno degli aspetti ai quali tengo maggiormente è il percorso compiuto per dare alla Difesa civica italiana maggiore visibilità e riconoscimento in ambito internazionale. Un lavoro costruito nel tempo, attraverso relazioni, partecipazione ai network internazionali, confronto con gli Ombudsman di numerosi Paesi e un impegno costante per portare l’esperienza italiana nei luoghi in cui si discute del futuro della tutela dei diritti e delle istituzioni di garanzia.

Un impegno che ha trovato nelle conferenze internazionali organizzate in Italia una delle sue espressioni più significative. Dietro ogni appuntamento ci sono stati mesi di lavoro, contatti istituzionali, organizzazione, incontri preparatori e tante difficoltà da superare. Un lavoro spesso silenzioso, che richiede dedizione e capacità di fare squadra, ma che permette di costruire opportunità di confronto e collaborazione destinate a durare nel tempo.

L’ultima, in ordine di tempo, è stata la Conferenza Internazionale degli Ombudsman Roma 2026, svoltasi il 28 e 29 maggio presso la Camera dei Deputati, dopo gli appuntamenti istituzionali che hanno accompagnato le delegazioni internazionali nella Capitale. Un evento di grande rilievo, con circa 280 partecipanti, rappresentanti di istituzioni di garanzia provenienti da diversi Paesi, esperti e studiosi, dedicato alle nuove sfide della democrazia, alla tutela dei diritti fondamentali, alla trasparenza amministrativa e all’impatto dell’innovazione tecnologica.

Un’esperienza arricchita dall’incontro con Papa Leone XIV e dal confronto con autorevoli rappresentanti delle istituzioni europee e internazionali. Roma ha offerto alla comunità degli Ombudsman uno spazio di dialogo e cooperazione, contribuendo a rafforzare la presenza e la considerazione della Difesa civica italiana nel contesto internazionale. <Cite refs={[“turn485884search3″,”turn485884search6″,”turn485884search7”]}/>

Di quella conferenza porto con me non soltanto la soddisfazione per il risultato raggiunto, ma soprattutto la consapevolezza della fatica necessaria per trasformare un progetto in una realtà concreta. Organizzare eventi di questa portata significa assumersi responsabilità, coinvolgere istituzioni diverse, superare ostacoli e credere in un obiettivo anche quando il risultato non è ancora visibile.

È stato un lavoro di squadra, reso possibile anche grazie alle persone e alle istituzioni che hanno creduto nel progetto e alla collaborazione di tanti colleghi. A tutti loro va il mio ringraziamento.

La crescita della dimensione internazionale della Difesa civica italiana rappresenta un patrimonio da custodire e sviluppare. Il confronto con gli altri Paesi dimostra che, pur nella diversità degli ordinamenti, esiste un principio condiviso: le istituzioni devono essere in grado di ascoltare le persone, correggere le disfunzioni amministrative e garantire una tutela effettiva dei diritti.

Questo riconoscimento internazionale costituisce un punto di partenza, non un traguardo definitivo. Resta aperta la sfida di rafforzare anche in Italia il sistema della Difesa civica, promuovendo una maggiore collaborazione tra i livelli regionali e nazionali e sostenendo il percorso verso un più compiuto riconoscimento istituzionale.

I diritti, l’ascolto e le persone al centro

In questi anni ho creduto nella necessità di rafforzare la collaborazione tra i diversi uffici regionali, promuovere il dialogo con il Parlamento e le istituzioni nazionali e consolidare le relazioni con gli organismi impegnati nella trasparenza, nella legalità e nella tutela dei cittadini.

La Difesa civica non si esaurisce nelle norme, nelle procedure o negli atti amministrativi. Vive soprattutto nella capacità di ascoltare, comprendere i problemi e cercare soluzioni concrete attraverso il dialogo e la persuasione, senza rinunciare alla fermezza quando sono in gioco i diritti delle persone.

Un ringraziamento particolare va anche a tutte le persone incontrate in questo percorso: rappresentanti delle istituzioni, amministratori, funzionari, associazioni e cittadini che, con le loro segnalazioni e le loro storie, hanno ricordato ogni giorno il significato più autentico del nostro impegno.

Lascio questi incarichi con la consapevolezza che molto resta ancora da fare per garantire a tutti un’effettiva tutela dei propri diritti e per rendere la Difesa civica una presenza sempre più forte e riconoscibile nel sistema istituzionale italiano. Lascio, però, anche con la convinzione che il lavoro condiviso abbia contribuito a costruire relazioni, esperienze e strumenti sui quali continuare a investire.

Le istituzioni cambiano, gli incarichi terminano, ma i valori che li hanno ispirati continuano a vivere attraverso l’impegno di chi crede nella legalità, nella trasparenza, nell’equità e nella dignità di ogni persona.

A tutte le colleghe e a tutti i colleghi va il mio grazie più sincero: per il lavoro svolto insieme, per i momenti di confronto, per le difficoltà affrontate e per le occasioni nelle quali abbiamo dimostrato che fare rete significa rendere più forte la tutela dei cittadini.

Termina un incarico, non termina la convinzione che mi ha accompagnato fin dal primo giorno: la difesa civica ha senso quando riesce a trasformare l’ascolto in risposte, i diritti in opportunità concrete e la distanza dalle istituzioni in fiducia.

È stato un onore condividere questo percorso con voi. Grazie a tutti per averne fatto parte.

Ombudswoman Tena Šimonović Einwalter participated in the launch of the international and interreligious Peaceful Rain initiative on 27 October 2026. The initiative aims to bring together individuals, religious communities, institutions and organisations committed to actively promoting peace, human dignity, solidarity and mutual understanding.

Introducing the initiative as one of its founders, Mate Uzinić, Archbishop and Metropolitan of Rijeka, emphasised that the idea was to demonstrate that religious communities, despite their differences, are not part of the problem, but can be—and are—part of the solution, both in their relations with one another and in their joint efforts to promote peace and the dignity of every human being. The initiative will encourage concrete steps towards peace, Archbishop Uzinić said, noting that “a single drop of rain may seem insignificant, but many drops can soak dry ground and allow new life—and peace—to emerge. The same is true of peacemaking. None of us will resolve major conflicts or stop wars, but this does not absolve us of responsibility for the drop of peace that each of us can contribute.”

In her address, the Ombudswoman expressed her full support for the initiative in her capacity as commissioner of the Croatian Parliament responsible for the promotion and protection of human rights and as head of Croatia’s National Equality Body, mandated to combat discrimination.

Working for peace, affirming the worth of every human being and promoting a culture of non-violence are among the noblest pursuits to which a person can devote themselves, the Ombudswoman emphasised. “Everyone can find their place in this endeavour and has a role to play, whether as someone who influences others and whose message reaches a wider audience, or simply as an individual in everyday life—as the initiative puts it, ‘drop by drop’: through many small, concrete acts.”

The Ombudswoman recalled that faith has great power to bring about positive change, while the messages of religious leaders have enormous potential to reach and move many people. “It is particularly important that this initiative brings together different faiths and reaches across religious and national boundaries, respecting differences and recognising that efforts to promote peace and non-violence are especially effective when they bring together different faith communities, different actors in society and different individuals, drop by drop.”

People and countries that have experienced war, such as Croatia, know all too well the value of peace. Working for peace is both a human responsibility and a moral obligation. “Peace is not merely the absence of war or violence; it also means caring for the most vulnerable and building a society in which everyone can live in dignity, freely and safely. This is also the task of the institution I lead: to protect and promote human rights, equality and the rule of law. From that perspective, I can say that it is particularly important how we, as individuals and as a society, treat those who are marginalised, stigmatised or less visible in society, and who need a helping hand so that they do not fall under the weight of life’s burdens, whether poverty, discrimination, different forms of violence or war.”

The initiative is particularly important in the challenging times of multiple crises in which we live, including wars and conflicts in Europe and around the world, the Ombudswoman emphasised. She noted that “it is precisely at such times, when people feel insecure, that they also turn against those within their own societies whom they perceive as different. This is why we are witnessing growing divisions and a growing reluctance to accept people of other faiths, cultures and ethnic backgrounds, as well as migrants. At the same time, technological developments mean that prejudice and hatred spread more easily and rapidly than ever before. The spread of such attitudes in public discourse can lead to real-world violence and even fuel conflicts and wars. This means that our determination to preserve and build peace must be stronger still.”

The Ombudswoman stressed the need to firmly resist and reject these trends: neither to spread hatred nor to remain silent when we witness it, recognising that words posted on social media are not merely powerless letters. They cause suffering, spread hatred, lead to dehumanisation and can result in violence and fuel conflicts and wars. “It has long been said that the pen is mightier than the sword; today, we might say that the keyboard is mightier than the gun,” she noted.

“Finally, I would like to assure you that you have a partner in me personally and in the institution I lead. I welcome and support committed and uncompromising efforts to promote and build peace, because this is the best way to protect people—their dignity, security and prosperity—so that they can realise their full potential and live free from fear and violence.”

In addition to participating in the launch, the Ombudswoman supported the initiative’s aims by signing the Mediterranean Covenant for Peace, which is open to all individuals, regardless of religion or nationality. Among other commitments, its signatories pledge to work towards building peace in their own communities; support everyone’s right to remain in their own country and live in conditions worthy of human dignity, while helping migrants and foreign workers integrate into our communities, societies and countries; refrain from verbal violence, including online, and from labelling or demonising others; clearly and unequivocally condemn and distance themselves from all violence and war; create, preserve and expand spaces for encounter; promote peace, justice and solidarity among people; and always stand with victims and those at risk.

The Mediterranean Covenant for Peace emerged from the Mediterranean Theological Meetings held in Lovran in 2026. Archbishop Uzinić recalled that the idea “was not conceived at a desk, but took shape through encounters, conversations and mutual understanding”, through sharing experiences, successes and failures, and the joys of working for peace, particularly in post-war settings, and through “the inevitable question: what can we do for peace in a world where the noise of war is growing ever louder?” In this process, he recalled, a conviction grew that it was not enough simply to talk about peace: it was necessary to take joint action for peace. There was also an awareness of how demanding such an undertaking would be, and that it would build on the work of many others rather than start from scratch. “We cannot do everything, but we can do something to make our world, drop by drop, a more peaceful, just and better place for all,” Archbishop Uzinić said.

The launch was moderated by journalist and editor Morana Kasapović. Other founders and supporters of the initiative also addressed the event: Grigorije Durić, Metropolitan of Germany of the Serbian Orthodox Church; Fr Hrvoje Katušić, a member of the organising committee; Mufti Aziz ef. Hasanović, President of the Meshihat of the Islamic Community in Croatia; Melanie Ivančević, a deaconess of the Evangelical Church; Cardinal Timothy Radcliffe from England; and Alexis Leproux, Secretary General of the Mediterranean Church Coordination.

Further information about the Mediterranean Covenant for Peace, together with a recording of the launch, is available here.

Los defensores del Pueblo de España, reunidos en La Palma en las XXXIX Jornadas de Coordinación, han guardado hoy un minuto de silencio por las víctimas del accidente ferroviario registrado ayer entre las poblaciones de Urda y Los Yébenes (Toledo), antes de iniciar las reuniones técnicas de trabajo. Les ha acompañado Asier Antona, alcalde de Santa Cruz de La Palma. La adjunta primera, Teresa Jiménez-Becerril, y la adjunta segunda, Patricia Bárcena, también se sumaron al minuto de silencio.

Ayer, tras cancelar los discursos y actos institucionales, trasladaron su más sentido pésame a familiares y amigos de las víctimas. Los defensores mostraron, al mismo tiempo, su agradecimiento y reconocimiento a los servicios de emergencia, los equipos sanitarios y todas las personas que trabajan en la atención y asistencia a las víctimas de esta tragedia.

Asimismo, el personal de la institución Defensor del Pueblo también ha guardado un minuto de silencio a las puertas de la sede de la calle Fortuny, en señal de duelo y como muestra de afecto y solidaridad con los fallecidos, heridos y familiares afectados por el accidente de tren. Además, la bandera de la institución ha sido izada a media asta y así permanecerá hasta las 24:00 del día 31, coincidiendo con los tres días de luto decretados por el Gobierno.