The Parliamentary Ombudsman, Judge Emeritus Joseph Zammit McKeon, received a courtesy visit from the Ambassador of France to Malta, H.E. Sandrine Lelong-Motta. The meeting was part of the Ombudsman's ongoing outreach initiative to engage with various segments of society, including the diplomatic community.

Welcoming the Ambassador, the Ombudsman explained that the Office of the Ombudsman in Malta is committed to serving Maltese nationals and all individuals who may experience acts of maladministration by the Maltese public administration. This includes French nationals residing in or visiting Malta. He emphasised that the institution is dedicated to ensuring fairness and justice for everyone, regardless of nationality.

Ambassador Lelong-Motta expressed her appreciation for the meeting and thanked the Ombudsman for extending his office's services to French nationals. She noted that this opportunity would undoubtedly benefit French nationals in Malta, enhancing their awareness of the support available to them.

During their discussion, the Ombudsman elaborated on his role in international forums, particularly as Secretary General and Treasurer of the Association of Mediterranean Ombudsmen (AOM). He highlighted that the AOM brings together Ombudsmen from across the Mediterranean basin to discuss and address common challenges faced by member countries. As a founding member, France has always played a significant role in the organisation.

The Ambassador acknowledged the importance of such international collaborations in tackling shared issues affecting Mediterranean countries, notably migration and the effects of climate change. She recognised that organisations like the AOM are vital in fostering dialogue and developing collective solutions.

The Ombudsman also informed the Ambassador about the upcoming 30th Anniversary commemoration of the Office of the Ombudsman, culminating in an international Ombudsman conference in October 2025. The conference, themed "Upholding Good Governance in Challenging Times – The Mandate of the Ombudsman," will bring together ombudsmen and experts to discuss the evolving role of Ombudsman institutions in promoting transparency and accountability.

Furthermore, he updated the Ambassador on the institution's efforts to broaden its remit, to include the promotion and protection of human rights. The Ombudsman reiterated that his office has all the credentials to become an NHRI.

Concluding the meeting, Ambassador Lelong-Motta remarked on the value of such engagements, especially at the start of her tenure as Ambassador to Malta. She appreciated the opportunity to become better acquainted with the work of constitutional offices like the Office of the Ombudsman, recognising their crucial role in upholding good governance and the rule of law.

Rikli Balance Hotel, Bled, Slovenia, 5 and 6 December 2024

The high-level conference aims to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Human Rights Ombudsman of the Republic of Slovenia by bringing together heads of institutions and other international and national experts, practitioners, and policy-makers to discuss the effectiveness of Ombudsman institutions (OIs) and National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) in addressing contemporary human rights challenges.

The main objectives of the conference are to assess the current effectiveness of OIs and NHRIs, to explore innovative approaches and strategies to enhance the impact of these institutions and to promote cooperation and coordination among national and international human rights mechanisms. The aim is to identify and address emerging human rights challenges, including those related to digital transformation, artificial intelligence, climate crises, migration, and ageing societies. In this context the high-level conference also aims to provide a platform for the exchange of best practices, successful case studies, and innovative strategies to enhance the effectiveness and the impact of these institutions in the promotion and protection of human rights.

Annotated agenda

Programme

Thursday, 5 December

14:30–14:45   Opening

• Peter Svetina, Human Rights Ombudsman of the Republic of Slovenia, Regional Director for Europe of the International Ombudsman Institute and President of the Association of Mediterranean Ombudsmen (AOM)
• H. E. Urška Klakočar Zupančič, President of the National Assembly of the Republic of Slovenia
• Michael O’Flaherty, Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe (video address)

14.45–15.00  Keynote address

• H. E. Dr. Marko Bošnjak, President of the European Court of Human Rights

15:00–16:30 Panel 1: Effective Human Rights Advocacy: Is there a need to enhance the impact and effectiveness of Ombudsman Institutions and NHRIs?

• Andreja Katič, Minister of Justice of the Republic of Slovenia
• Dr. Andreas Pottakis, Greek Ombudsman, former President of the Association of Mediterranean Ombudsmen (AOM) and former President of the International Ombudsman Institute (IOI) European Board of Directors
• Maria Lúcia Amaral, Portuguese Ombudsman, Professor of the Nova School of Law, former Vice-president of the Constitutional Court, former Member of the IOI Board of Directors and of the European Board of Directors.
• Anahit Manasyan, The Human rights Defender of Armenia, Board Member of the European Network of National Human Rights Institutions (ENNHRI)

Moderator: Prof. Dr. Jernej Letnar Černič, Professor of Human Rights and Constitutional Law at the The Faculty of Government and European Studies, New University (Kranj, Slovenia) and Visiting Professor at the European University Viadrina (Germany, Frankfurt (Oder))

17:00–18:30  Panel 2: The Role of Ombudsman Institutions and NHRIs in Protecting Human Rights in the Digital Era

• Reinier van Zutphen, National Ombudsman of the Netherlands and International Ombudsman Institute (IOI) Regional President Europe 
• Marina Ceyssac, High Commissioner for the Protection of Rights, Liberties and Mediation of the Principality of Monaco
• Dr. Eva-Esther Sobotka, European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights
• Prof. Dr. Marko Grobelnik, AI researcher at the Jožef Stefan Institute & International Research Centre on Artificial Intelligence under the auspices of UNESCO

Moderator: Erinda Ballanca, People’s Advocate of the Republic of Albania and Second Vice-President of the Association of Mediterranean Ombudsmen (AOM), Board Member of the European Network of National Human Rights Institutions (ENNHRI)

Friday, 6 December

9:00–10:30  Panel 3: Ombudsman Institutions Addressing Complex Human Rights Challenges: Climate Crises, Migration, and an Aging Society

• Maria Stylianou – Lottides, Commissioner for Administration and the Protection of Human Rights of the Republic of Cyprus and Regional Director for Europe of the International Ombudsman Institute
• Dr. Dijana Možina Zupanc, Deputy Ombudsman of the Republic of Slovenia
• Judge Emeritus Dr. Joseph Zammit McKeon, Parliamentary Ombudsman of the Republic of Malta and Regional Director for Europe of the International Ombudsman Institute
• Dr. Ákos Kozma, Commissioner for Fundamental Rights of Hungary

Moderator: Mr. sc. Tena Šimonović Einwalter, MJur, Ombudswoman of Croatia, Member of CoE European Commission Against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI), Representative of ECRI in the Committee on Artificial Intelligence (CAI) and GEC/ADI Expert Group on AI, Former Chair of the European Network of Equality Bodies (EQUINET)

11:00–12:30  Wrap-up discussion and conclusion: Is there a need for innovative approaches in Ombudsman Institutions and NHRIs to address Modern Challenges?

• Emily O’Reilly, European Ombudsman (video address)
• Rafael Ribó, former Catalan Ombudsman and former President of the International Ombudsman Institute Europe
• Alyson Kilpatrick, Chief Commissioner of the Northern Ireland NHRI, Board Member of the European Network of National Human Rights Institutions (ENNHRI), incoming GANHRI Secretary (Deputy Chair)
• Prof. Dr. Vasilka Sancin, Professor at the Faculty of Law of the University of Ljubljana, Vice-President of the United Nations Human Rights Council Advisory Committee and member of the Ombudsman’s Human Rights Council

A seguito dell’intervento del difensore civico, contattato da una cittadina di una frazione del reatino che lamentava gravi disservizi idrici penalizzanti per la comunità locale, si è attivata la Garante regionale del servizio idrico integrato, che ha invitato il gestore del servizio a dar conto dell’attività compiuta a seguito delle numerose doglianze rivoltegli.

Anche in un campo altamente specializzato come quello dei servizi idrici il Difensore civico, che pure suole non entrare nel merito tecnico di tali questioni fungendo da ‘arbitro’ di una corretta e proficua dialettica tra le parti, può dare un valido apporto, se non altro come ‘canale di collegamento istituzionale’ tra cittadini, autorità specializzate di garanzia e gestori di servizi. 

The Parliamentary Ombudsman, Judge Emeritus Joseph Zammit McKeon, delivered the concluding reflections at a Research Symposium organised by the Department of Policy, Politics and Governance within the Faculty of Economics, Management and Accountancy (FEMA).

The event showcased diverse research projects undertaken by students, addressing critical issues in governance, policy-making, and public administration.

In his welcome address, Professor Mario Thomas Vassallo, Head of the Department, highlighted the department's commitment to fostering interdisciplinary collaboration among undergraduate and postgraduate students, leading to innovative approaches to complex policy challenges.

Prof. Vassallo also announced an upcoming collaboration: the launch of an M.A. in Ombudsman Law and Governance. This postgraduate degree programme, developed jointly with the Faculty of Laws and the Office of the Ombudsman, is scheduled to commence in the 2025/26 academic year.

Prof. Emanuel Said, Dean of the Faculty of Economics, Management and Accountancy and the Rector’s Delegate to the Institute for Public Services, also addressed the symposium. He spoke about "FEMA: A Faculty on the Move," highlighting the faculty's ongoing initiatives to advance education and research. Prof. Said emphasised FEMA's commitment to developing leaders out of ordinary people, underscoring the faculty's role in shaping future policymakers and public administrators.

The symposium featured presentations on a wide range of pertinent topics. Lorraine Abela Vassallo examined "The Budgeting Process within Maltese Government Entities: Autonomy vs Control," assessing how central government oversight impacts the autonomy of Extra Budgetary Units. Her study revealed that while central control is essential for accountability and transparency, a balance is necessary to ensure operational efficiency.

A discussion panel moderated by Dr Marguerite Camilleri included insights from researchers on public management issues. Lily Abela presented her work on "Solar Entitlements for Owners of Photovoltaic Systems in Malta," highlighting the urgent need for a dedicated solar rights policy to advance sustainable energy adoption.

Stephen Bonanno evaluated "Body-Worn Cameras and Their Impact on Policing," discussing how this technology enhances accountability but raises privacy concerns that must be carefully managed. Carl Muscat explored "The Use of AI as an HR Toolkit within the Maltese Public Service," recommending policy reforms to address security, training, and data management in implementing artificial intelligence.

Further contributions included Ġorġ Vella's analysis of "The Rave as a Protest Towards the State," which explored how Maltese rave communities influence public policy through coalition-building or acts of dissent.

Glen Falzon discussed "Malta’s Low Fertility Rate: The Implications for the Political Economy," emphasising the need for comprehensive policies that integrate economic, social, and cultural interventions to address demographic challenges.

In his concluding reflections, the Parliamentary Ombudsman commended the students and academics of the Department of Policy, Politics and Governance for their invaluable contributions in promoting transparency and accountability in society. He emphasised that policymakers and public administrators should be guided by the right to good administration principles, which are pivotal for a more open and informed society.

The Ombudsman stressed the importance of continuously monitoring public funds, enhancing knowledge and training, strengthening internal controls and audit mechanisms, and fostering good governance and integrity. He highlighted that academic training and specialisation in the public sector are crucial for delivering professional services to the people and for preventing maladministration.

Expressing his satisfaction with the quality of the students' research, the Ombudsman encouraged continued collaboration between academic institutions and public bodies. Such partnerships, he noted, are instrumental in nurturing informed professionals who will contribute positively to Malta's governance and public administration.