The Ombudsman institution was introduced in the Croatian legal system at the very beginning of the country’s independence, by the 1990 Constitution. However, further requirements for the beginning of its work were met two years later, by entering into force of the Ombudsman’s Act. On the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Act, the Ombudswoman Lora Vidović is organising a high level international conference „Reclaiming human rights in Europe: How to enhance the democratic space?“ on 11-12 May 2017 in Zagreb.

Under the auspices of the speaker of the Croatian parliament and with participation of the highest Croatian public officials as well as the representatives of international organisations and institutions from wider Europe, the Conference aims to confirm the importance of human rights in enhancing the democratic space, by exploring three pressing interrelated issues: counter-terrorism, freedom of expression and living together.

This event will also offer an opportunity to reaffirm the crucial role human rights defenders, including national human rights institutions, ombudsmen and equality bodies, play in preserving democracy and the rule of law, by bringing the voices of right-holders, especially the most vulnerable in societies.

You may find the Conference agenda attached below.