In the second COE-ON Forum, the Council of Europe welcomed Ombudspersons and NHRIs from across Europe.
The two-day conference was organised under the Republic of Moldova's Presidency of the Committee of Ministers in cooperation with the European Court of Human Rights, within the framework of the New Democratic Pact for Europe, an initiative aimed at strengthening democratic resilience across the continent. It addressed the key role played by such institutions in protecting democratic processes, human rights and rule of law checks and balances.
In his opening remarks, Bjørn Berge, Deputy Secretary General of the Council of Europe, highlighted the importance of the Ombudspersons system to human-rights protection:
"As the rules-based international order is being severely undermined, this should be a wake-up call to all of us. A call to act - to adapt, innovate and identify effective tools to protect human rights, strengthen democracy and uphold the rule of law. Your contribution is vital as we seek creative solutions on the path to democratic security."
Egils Levits, former President of Latvia and former judge of the European Court of Human Rights, noted in his keynote address that the conference was taking place "at a time when pressure on the rule of law and on democracy as a form of government is increasing continuously, both internally and externally, and has in fact reached an all-time high".
Youth engagement was another central theme. Speakers emphasised that young people are not only the leaders of tomorrow but active citizens today, whose perspectives are essential for shaping human-rights policies and sustaining democratic life. The Council of Europe hackathon winner further inspired participants by demonstrating how empowering youth to counter disinformation and defend freedom of expression can strengthen democratic resilience among the next generation.
The second day of the forum focused on legal developments and the pivotal role of Ombudspersons institutions and national human-rights institutions in supporting the implementation of the case-law of the European Court of Human Rights.
Mattias Guyomar, President of the European Court of Human Rights started the day by stressing that "[the] involvement [of National Human Rights Institutions and Ombuds institutions] in the Convention system begins long before an application is received by the Court - and continues long after the Court has delivered its ruling".
In his opening remarks, Michael O'Flaherty, Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe called on NHRIs and Ombudspersons to be "ambassadors for the Convention and the Court: assist your governments to ensure that the political declaration expected in May will not do harm and, at best, will constitute a timely affirmation of the importance of the Convention and of the work of the Court."
Speakers underscored the importance of these institutions in promoting freedom of expression, raising awareness of Court judgments, and helping to bridge the gap between citizens and the Court. Their work in disseminating and facilitating the implementation of judgments was also highlighted as essential for strengthening democratic governance and safeguarding fundamental rights.
The Moldovan Presidency of the Committee of Ministers
