On 26 May 2020 five members of the Council of Europe’s Venice Commission have published a new report on the respect for democracy, human rights and the rule of law during states of emergency. The Commission has previously produced general reports and country-specific opinions on both constitutional provisions and emergency legislation; a recent compilation of the Commission’s work in this area provided guidance into its specific findings.

UNESCO has kicked off a global survey on public access to information within its efforts to assist countries to report on Sustainable Development Goal 16, particularly on its Target 16.10 which recognizes the contribution of access to information to justice, peace and strong institutions. Using SDG Indicator 16.10.2, the survey will track progress on the adoption and implementation of constitutional, statutory and/or policy guarantees for public access to information around the world.

During a conference-call meeting with the Venice Commission, the Parliamentary Ombudsman, Mr Anthony C. Mifsud, discussed the Government’s proposed legislative changes for the implementation of the recommendations made by the Venice Commission in December 2018.

On Wednesday, 3 June 2020, GANHRI in cooperation with UNHCR will host a webinar on protecting forcibly displaced persons in the COVID-19 context and the role and experience of NHRIs and opportunities for collaboration with UNHCR. Save the date!

The President of the African Ombudsman and Mediators Association (AOMA) and Public Protector of South Africa, Adv. Busisiwe Mkhwebane, issued a message on the occasion of Africa Day, which is celebrated on 25 May.

The People`s Advocate (Ombudsman) of the Republic of Moldova presented its report on the observance of human rights in the country in 2019. The English version of the report is now available.

Due to the complete lockdown in the context of the current Covid-19 pandemic, the International Anti-Corruption Academy (IACA) translated its program, including its masters’ programs and all other educational activities, into an e-learning platform and now offers on-line opportunities for capacity building in anti-corruption.

In an own-initiative Report dated 8 May 2020, the Cyprus Commissioner for Administration and the Protection of Human Rights suggested that public and private hospitals with gynecological clinics should allow fathers to be present during childbirth and the birth of their children, provided that each father is successfully subjected to a COVID-19  negative test.