At the 12th General Meeting of the Association of Mediterranean Ombudsmen (AOM) held in Kosovo on 24 and 25 May 2023, discussions centred on the integrity and independence of mediation institutions.
The Meeting was co-organised by the Avokati i Popullit of Kosovo and the AOM, which hosted the Mediterranean ombudsmen both physically in Pristina and remotely by video-conference. The High Commissioner of Monaco was among those in attendance.
The participants discussed the new challenges faced by mediation institutions, and unanimously concluded that independence is key to the ability of ombudsmen to function and protect human rights more effectively.
In her speech, High Commissioner Marina Ceyssac underlined the role played by Monaco’s ombudsman, notably in consultations on proposed legislation, and the importance of close relations with the public and civil society. This was, for example, the aim of the round table organised in collaboration with the EU Commission against racism and intolerance in April 2023.
Following two days of discussions, the Association’s members published the “Pristina Declaration”, proposing common positions aimed at strengthening cooperation and future activities.
The Declaration reaffirmed that Human Rights are universal, indivisible, and interdependent. Mediation institutions and other human rights institutions play a central role in the human rights system.
The Declaration also highlighted the commitment to promoting cross-border, regional, and international cooperation in order to effectively protect human rights and fundamental freedoms.
For the administrative part of the Meeting, it is important to note that the new Vice-President was elected, Mr Peter SVETINA, the Slovenian ombudsman. The mediator in the Italian region of Latium was formally admitted to the Association, and Malta will host the next General Meeting to be held in 2025.