Ombudswoman Tena Šimonović Einwalter participated on 17 October 2024 in Strasbourg in a meeting of national human rights institutions and equality bodies with the newly appointed Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Michael O’Flaherty.
At the invitation of the organisers, Ombudswoman Šimonović Einwalter moderated a panel titled “Enhancing Engagement of Equality Bodies with the Most Vulnerable Citizens.” On that occasion, she first provided an introductory explanation of the importance of these institutions having direct access to the most vulnerable citizens, and then presented the work of the Office of the Ombudswoman as an example of good practice. She informed the participants about the institution’s activities, including conducting research on experiences of discrimination, visits to care homes for the elderly, rural areas, earthquake-affected areas, Roma settlements, asylum seeker reception centres, and others, as well as the establishment of a network of anti-discrimination contact points.
These activities ensure the Ombudswoman’s accessibility to the most vulnerable, which is essential for enabling citizens in the most difficult circumstances to seek protection of their violated rights. Furthermore, through the Ombudswoman’s efforts, they can become more visible and heard in public and before decision-makers.
The meeting was attended by 35 national human rights institutions and equality bodies, which are both mandates of the Office of the Ombudswoman. The goal of the meeting was to initiate dialogue and close cooperation between Commissioner O’Flaherty, at the beginning of his mandate, and national human rights institutions and equality bodies from Council of Europe member states.