[WATCH] President emphasizes Ombudsman's role in protecting fundamental rights

Meeting of the Association of Mediterranean Ombudsmen to discuss migration, good governance and strengthening the role of the Ombudsman

President Marie Louise Coleiro Preca, Speaker of the House Anglu Farrugia Ombudsman Joseph Said Pullicino attend the ninth meeting of the Association of Mediterranean Ombudsmen • Photo by Raphael Farrugia
President Marie Louise Coleiro Preca, Speaker of the House Anglu Farrugia Ombudsman Joseph Said Pullicino attend the ninth meeting of the Association of Mediterranean Ombudsmen • Photo by Raphael Farrugia

President Marie Louise Coleiro Preca said that the role of the Ombudsman was to safeguard the human rights of the most vulnerable people in society, particularly in times of crisis.

Speaking at the ninth meeting of the Mediterranean association of Ombudsmen, Coleiro Preca said that the role of the Ombudsman was becoming ever more vital in the uncertain times and humanitarian crisis Europe and the Mediterranean were currently experiencing

"The role calls for creative solutions and effective action, and it requires the continuous protection of vulnerable groups,” she said, also highlighting the need for accountability and transparency for anyone fulfilling the role.

She added that bureaucratic power often hindered contact between those in power and the people they represent, and that as a result it was necessary to have someone to represent and assess the needs of the most vulnerable and to mediate between the two.

"The Ombudsman presents a path away from violence to the possibility of harmonious resolution of conflicts and issues," she said, adding that the Ombudsman is a neutral intermediary standing for fairness and equality.

Coleiro Preca also highlighted the need of creating awareness of individual’s plights and to bear in mind important issues like gender, race, and culture that form human experiences. She further added, however, that individuals also needed to be made aware of the role of the Ombudsman to defend their interests and rights.

"We need citizens who can take responsibility, and a key means to creating such aware, responsible people is through education.”

"It is through education that an Ombudsman can assist a civil society that is conscious of its rights," she added.

Coleiro Preca expressed her hope that the role would continue to find means to stable and sustainable peace.

Speaking at the event, Parliamentary Ombudsman Joseph Said Pullicino said that the main objective of the association was to spread principles of good governance, justice and fundamental rights across the strategic area of the Mediterranean.

"We believe the Ombudsman is an active agent to mediate between the public and government and to aid in the management of public affairs," he said, adding that the Ombudsman was responsible for encouraging transparency and good governance in public administration.

Said Pullicino added that during the meetings, being held in Malta over the coming three days, would discuss issues like strengthening the office of the Ombudsman, fundamental rights and integration of refugees, and allowing the office to take action in certain specific issues like economic crises and migration.

Speaker of the House Anglu Farrugia added that although Mediterranean countries were highly diverse, their geographical position as a bridge for three continents made the area strategically essential.

President of the Association of Mediterranean Ombudsman Igli Totozani, who is also the Ombudsman of Albania, spoke about the importance of strengthening management of refugees and their arrival in the Mediterranean region.

"We have the right and duty to make our voice heard and to preserve human rights," he said, stressing the need for solidarity with each other in the discussion of pertinent issues like migration.

"The values of human rights must be the authentic guide of our work and vision although the situation is very difficult," Totozani said.

"It is important to raise awareness about human rights in these situations, and we also have to identify new avenues and look forward to promote cultural diversity and integration of refugees," he said.

He further added that discussions between different cultures and nations were necessary to tackle these issues and to effectively share information, good practices and experiences to tackle the current humanitarian crisis.