Kosovar Ombudsman visits Austrian Ombudsman Board

After presenting the competences and working methods, Ombudswoman Brinek also explained the AOB´s international obligations regarding human rights protection in accordance with the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture – OPCAT. The development of common standards in this field was raised as a matter of vital concern.

In its role as National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) the AOB currently also holds the chairmanship of the „South Eastern European NPM Network“(SEE NPM). Since the beginning of 2016 the Kosovar Ombuds institution serves as NPM and is an observer to this network.

Especially the interaction between the Austrian Parliament and AOB as well as the handling of complaints was of great interest to the Kosovar delegation.

Additionally, the importance of the presentation of the AOB´s annual report to the Austrian Parliament and of the interaction with media was highlighted by the AOB. In particular, a weekly broadcast of a TV programme called “Bürgeranwalt”, which presents selected cases of the AOB, is central to the AOB´s presence in the Austrian media and therefore its awareness in the public.

In conclusion Ombudswoman Gertrude Brinek stressed the importance of a closer cooperation between the two Ombuds institutions in the near future.