Office of the Ombudsman participates in OSCE-ODIHR conference on the protection of Human Rights Defenders in Malta

Office of the Ombudsman participates in OSCE-ODIHR conference on the protection of Human Rights Defenders in Malta

Published December 16, 2025

The Office of the Ombudsman took part in a high-level conference organised by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) to discuss the situation of human rights defenders in Malta. The event, held on 11 December 2025, formed part of ODIHR’s follow-up process to its June 2025 assessment report on Malta and brought together representatives of public authorities, independent institutions, civil society organisations and international experts.

ODIHR’s assessment highlighted both progress and persistent challenges in the protection of human rights defenders, journalists and civil society actors. The purpose of the conference was to deepen dialogue, examine the implications of the report’s findings, and discuss how recommendations can be implemented in an inclusive, gender-sensitive and sustainable manner. Participants also explored opportunities for further cooperation between Maltese institutions and OSCE bodies.

The Office of the Ombudsman was represented by Dr Brian Said, Head of Investigations, who addressed the opening session. He noted that Malta is one of the few EU Member States without a National Human Rights Institution (NHRI) in line with the UN Paris Principles, describing this as a structural gap that weakens national human rights protection. He underlined that ODIHR’s 2025 report identified ongoing concerns, including political pressure, legal intimidation, and insufficient safeguards for those who work to defend rights. These concerns require timely institutional reforms and genuine engagement with civil society.

Dr Said referred to the Ombudsman’s proposal for a new Ombudsman Act published in November 2024, which sets out a roadmap for the establishment of the Ombudsman as Malta’s NHRI. He explained that this model reflects three principal strengths. The Ombudsman already enjoys constitutional independence and high public trust; the Office’s investigative functions provide an efficient mechanism to address human rights issues without duplicating structures; and its accessibility ensures that human rights protection is available to all. Strengthening the Ombudsman’s mandate would directly address several gaps identified by ODIHR and contribute to a safer environment for human rights defenders.

He also highlighted that although Malta ratified Protocol No. 12 of the European Convention on Human Rights in 2015, it has not yet incorporated it into domestic law. As a result, courts cannot apply its provisions on non-discrimination. Dr Said noted that an NHRI with a strengthened mandate would be well placed to support legislative reform and ensure that equality forms an integral part of national human rights protection.

The conference featured exchanges between representatives of public bodies, independent institutions and civil society. Discussions addressed the pressures faced by human rights defenders, the need for clearer institutional safeguards, and the importance of promoting an enabling environment for civic participation. Participants also considered opportunities for further collaboration with ODIHR and other OSCE structures on implementing the report’s recommendations.

ODIHR emphasised that effective protection of human rights defenders requires strong independent institutions supported by adequate resources, transparent processes and constructive engagement between all stakeholders. The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Malta in strengthening national frameworks in line with international standards.