Opening statement by Michelle Bachelet, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights

26 May 2021

I'd like to thank the IOI's President, Peter Tyndall, and Secretary-General, Werner Amon, for their invitation to address this World Conference.
       
By promoting the concept of the Ombudsman, and encouraging its development worldwide, the IOI contributes to the realization of human rights, rule of law, democracy, administrative justice, accountability of government, and access to justice for all.
       
For the UN Human Rights Office, NHRIs are among our most reliable and valuable partners.
       
This conference’s theme of “Giving Voice to the Voiceless” has become even more important with the pandemic, given its multiple and very severe impacts, especially on those who are most vulnerable.

To effectively assist, it is important that the Ombudsman mandate be as broad as possible, and compliant with all relevant international instruments, including the Paris Principles, for stronger independence and enhanced capacity.

We welcome the expansion of Ombudsman functions – beyond their original mandate concerning maladministration and rule of law – to also cover areas related to economic, social and cultural rights, including the 2030 Agenda.

Many of your institutions are also engaged in preventing conflict – pushing back against hatred and pushing forward with human dignity, equality and respect.

Ombudsmen and all NHRIs can be key actors in prevention, owing to your unique position entrusted through your mandates; your knowledge of and involvement in the issues; and your close relationship with affected populations and vulnerable groups.

Last December, the General Assembly adopted resolution 75/186 which specifically notes the role of Ombudsman institutions in the promotion and protection of The General Assembly encouraged Ombudsman institutions to regularly interact, exchange information and share best practices with my Office on all matters of relevance.

Through our advisory services, our Office develops and supports activities dedicated to strengthening Ombudsman institutions, within national systems for human rights protection.

One example is the advisory services provided to the preparation of the Venice Principles on the Ombudsman adopted by the European Commission for Democracy through Law – the Venice Commission – which contain references to the Paris Principles.

Effective and independent National Human Rights Institutions that operate in line with the Paris Principles are able to play a fundamental role in upholding the rights of all people in their countries.

To date, 84 NHRIs are accredited with “A” status; 25 of them are Ombudsman institutions. As a global organisation for the cooperation of more than 190 Ombudsman institutions, we expect IOI to encourage more Ombudsman institutions to become fully compliant with the Paris Principles.

I also encourage Ombudsmen’s cooperation and interaction with the international human rights system.

The UN Human Rights Office supports NHRIs in their interaction with the international human rights system and UN human rights bodies. “A” status institutions are empowered to take the floor, independently of their government delegations, under all items at the Human Rights Council. They can and should engage with the Council's Universal Periodic Review and Special Procedures, with Treaty Bodies and  and with New York-based human rights bodies.

All our international mechanisms need information from independent, impartial and credible country-based institutions.

So please be assured that we very much count on your continuing strong work.

My Office is committed to supporting your ability to improve the lives of people in your countries across the world.

I wish you fruitful discussions and every success in your challenging work.