The European Ombudsman, Emily O'Reilly, has expressed her great sadness at the death of her French counterpart, the Defender of Rights, Dominique Baudis.

Emily O'Reilly commented: "Dominique Baudis was not only an active colleague devoted to serving the public, he was also a pillar of cooperation between ombudsmen on the international stage. France and Europe have lost a great politician, a passionate journalist, and an exemplary defender of rights who dedicated his life to helping others. I would like to present my sincere condolences to his family and to all the colleagues in the office of the Défenseur des droits."