Ombudswoman Lora Vidovi\u0107 and Deputy Ombudswoman Lidija Lukina Kezi\u0107 participated at the annual European Network of Ombudsmen Conference held in Bruxelles on 19 and 20 June. The conference, organised by the European Ombudsman Emily O’Reilly, was dedicated to the fallout for citizen rights from Brexit and from increased \u2018populism\u2019 in Europe.<\/p>\n
“If 2016 was a year of populism, can 2017 be a year of pushback of populism?” \u2013 asked O\u2019Reilly in the opening speech. She emphasised transparency as crucial element in building citizens trust in institutions and their work.<\/p>\n
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\u201cOmbudsmen keep us on our toes: they correct our mistakes and have structural influence on our policies\u201d, noted European Commission First Vice-President Frans Timmermans in his keynote speech.<\/p>\n
During the panel on current and future challenges for Ombudsmen institutions, Ombudswoman Vidovi\u0107 noted how, in order to create a positive effect on the protection of human rights, it is not sufficient to send a recommendation. \u201eWe have to be present, go out there and talk to local and regional authorities\u201c, said Vidovi\u0107. Being proactive is also important in communication with citizens. \u201cOur job is to give voice to the voiceless and we should not wait for complaints to arrive, but need to reach out to vulnerable groups\u201c, said Vidovi\u0107.<\/p>\n
\nIt’s not sufficient to send a recommendation, we have to be present, go there and talk to local\/reg.authorities – @OmbudsmanHR<\/a> #ENO2017<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/O6AmPMYQ6a<\/a><\/p>\n