THE OMBUDSMAN MR. NASER ZIBERI ADDRESSED THE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE "LINKING POLICY AND PRACTICE - STRENGTHENING PARLIAMENTARY OVERSIGHT IN THE PROMOTION AND PROTECTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS"

27.02.2025, SKOPJE

"It is my honor and pleasure, with a welcoming speech from the position of Ombudsman, to address this International Conference, which will discuss a significant topic "Linking Policy and Practice - Strengthening Parliamentary Oversight in the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights". Gratitude to the Institute for European Policies for making it possible to debate such an important issue here today, at a time when we are witnessing increasingly massive violations of human freedoms and rights in the world, and we are all well aware of the roles of both institutions - the Ombudsman and the Parliament, in terms of promoting citizens' rights."

This, among other things, was stated by the Ombudsman, Mr. Naser Ziberi, in his welcoming speech at the International Conference, which was held in Skopje, and which discussed strengthening parliamentary oversight in the promotion and protection of human rights.

The Ombudsman, Mr. Ziberi, emphasized the significant role of both the Institution and parliament in the promotion and protection of citizens' rights.

"This role of ours also brings us great responsibility, because there is nothing more important than helping all citizens, on an equal basis, per the Constitution and the laws, to exercise their guaranteed rights. That, as an Institution, we are on the right track in this area is also shown by the latest report of the renowned organization "Transparency Macedonia", which last year ranked the Institution in a high third place according to the integrity assessment. The state has the obligation through the system and regulations to ensure equal access to rights, while the Ombudsman is the address to which citizens turn for the protection of their rights when they are prevented from doing so. The model chosen by the Republic of North Macedonia - to have a parliamentary Ombudsman - makes the relationship between the Parliament and the Ombudsman unbreakable, which in practice takes place at several levels. Once a year, the Parliament debates the Annual Report on the level of ensuring respect, promotion and protection of human freedoms and rights, and the MPs, as elected representatives, must review the report, to determine measures based on the general recommendations given in it, and thus to oblige the Government to implement them. The measures are, I would say, a common instrument in our commitment to improving the situation with respect for citizens' rights," Ziberi stressed.