With a formal conference held on 10 October 2023 in Brussels, the European Network of National Human Rights Institutions (ENNHRI) marked the first decade of its work. Attended by distinguished guests such as the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Dunja Mijatović, as well as heads and representatives of numerous national human rights institutions, civil society, and other stakeholders, the event also included participation by Ombudswoman Tena Šimonović Einwalter and Deputy Ombudswoman Tatjana Vlašić.
Over the past decade, the Network’s work has contributed to strengthening national human rights institutions across Europe in accordance with the Paris Principles, as well as supporting human rights advocacy.
This has been particularly important in light of challenges that have negatively affected the human rights of millions across Europe—some of which are ongoing—and their consequences, including recovery from the financial crisis, the global health crisis caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, the ongoing migration crisis, and the war in Ukraine.
The conference included several panel discussions addressing ways to further advance the protection of human rights, as well as democracy and the rule of law in Europe, recognising the central role of national institutions and ENNHRI in achieving that goal.
Participants also discussed how collaboration within the Network can best prepare them to face future challenges, such as migration and security issues, climate change, and the impact of digitalisation and artificial intelligence on human rights.
In addition, on the previous day, 9 October 2023, ENNHRI’s General Assembly was held, during which Deputy Ombudswoman Tatjana Vlašić was elected as a new member of the Sub-Committee on Accreditation (SCA).