BackIt is with great concern that the International Ombudsman Institute (IOI) has learned about recent developments at the Verkhovna Rada (Parliament) of Ukraine regarding the establishment of a Temporary Special Commission to verify a possible violation of oath by the Commissioner for Human Rights.
The office of the Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights is a long-standing member of the IOI. It is an internationally accredited NHRI with A-status, which enjoys a very high regard globally.
As the only global organization for the cooperation of more than 200 parliamentary Ombudsman worldwide, the IOI follows circumstances that pose a threat to the independence of Ombudsman around the world and we take such circumstances very seriously.
The establishment of such a temporary commission would have impacted on the institution’s independence and standing, as well as the effective discharge of its mandates. The IOI therefore addressed a letter to the Speaker of Parliament, which was signed by IOI President Chris Field, IOI Secretary General Werner Amon, and the Regional President of IOI Europe Andreas Pottakis (for details see the document in the download section below).
In this statement of support for the office of the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights, the IOI called upon the Verkhovna Rada to uphold the international principles for the protection of oversight bodies, such as the Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights, against intimidation, threats or any actions that may negatively impact on their independence and effectiveness and to ensure a reasoned and professional interaction with the office.
Today, 27 January 2022, Commissioner Denisova informed the IOI, that the draft resolution to establish a Temporary Special Parliamentary Commission of inquirey was not supported by Members of Parliament. This is an outstanding outcome. It confirms the significance of the institution of the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights and it acknowledges the importance of independent and autonomous oversight bodies, such as your office.
