Nicosia:The Commissioner for Administration and the Protection of Human Rights in Cyprus was commended during a regional conference for the institution's impact on enhancing citizens' quality of life and human rights. The event marked the 35th anniversary of the Ombudsman's office in Cyprus.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Reinier van Zutphen, President of the European Region of the International Ombudsman Institute (IOI) and the National Ombudsman of the Netherlands, described the Cyprus office as a model for similar institutions and an essential counterbalance to other powers in the country. He emphasized the increasing necessity of Ombudsman institutions as stabilizing forces in a changing world.
Gianluca Esposito, Director General for Human Rights and the Rule of Law at the Council of Europe, highlighted the essential role of independent institutions in democracy. He praised the Cyprus Commissioner for Administration's contributions over the past 35 years, particularly noting recent cooperation on detention conditions and the National Preventive Mechanism. Esposito also mentioned the role of national institutions in monitoring the European Court of Human Rights' decisions, encouraging the use of this mechanism.
Nadine Mailloux, President of the International Ombudsman Institute, stressed in her message that rights are insignificant if people cannot exercise them. She noted the importance of accessibility in public services and the need for administrative decisions to be fair, transparent, and sensitive to human consequences.
Maria Stylianou-Lottidis, the Commissioner for Administration, emphasized the growth of the office into a multifaceted institution focused on human rights protection, equality promotion, accountability strengthening, and good governance safeguarding. She highlighted the office's expanded powers, including oversight of public administration and roles as a national human rights institution, an equality-promoting body, and a monitor of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Stylianou-Lottidis also underlined the importance of public trust and the role of independent scrutiny in problem resolution.