IOI | Honorary Life Membership awarded to former European Regional President Rafael Ribó

Rafael Ribó, former Ombudsman of Catalonia and Regional President of IOI Europe, has been awarded IOI Honorary Life Membership for his commitment and successful work for the organization.

As long-standing member of the IOI Board of Directors (as European Director since 2009 and European Regional President later on), Mr. Ribó was a passionate and dedicated advocate for Ombudsman matters and human rights protection.

He organized numerous seminars and conferences, to ensure a vivid international exchange on topical matters of interest to IOI members in Europe and around the world, and he gave his undivided support to colleagues, who operated under difficult circumstances or saw the independent exercise of their office under threat.

As Regional President of IOI Europe, Mr. Ribó fostered the IOI’s cooperation with international partners, as well as regional Ombudsman associations. He always took a clear stance in IOI discussions, and has been a passionate advocate of Ombudsman standards. As Regional President of IOI Europe, he played a leading role in the close and fruitful cooperation with the Council of Europe (CoE); most significantly the successful collaboration with the CoE’s Venice Commission in the development of the Venice Principles.

Mr. Ribó has inspired and been a trusted mentor to a number of Ombudsman.