Parliamentary Ombudsman meets Head of UNHCR Malta office

Parliamentary Ombudsman meets Head of UNHCR Malta office

Published February 19, 2026

The Parliamentary Ombudsman, Judge Joseph Zammit McKeon, met Ms Emilie Wiinblad Mathez, Head of the UNHCR National Office and Liaison to the European Union Agency for Asylum in Malta, to discuss cooperation in the context of the forthcoming entry into force of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum on 12 June 2026.

During the meeting, the Ombudsman outlined the mandate of the Office and explained that, although the institution is not formally designated as a national human rights institution, in carrying out its functions the Office actively promotes fairness, justice, and accountability, which are crucial for the meaningful promotion and effective protection of human rights.

Ms Wiinblad Mathez presented the work and initiatives of UNHCR Malta and explored areas of collaboration. She highlighted UNHCR’s role in advocating for a protection sensitive asylum system that ensures fair and efficient procedures and respects the dignity and rights of forcibly displaced and stateless persons. She referred to the need for a more effective and predictable response to the challenges of mixed movements of refugees and migrants requiring looking beyond border management to a broader, whole-of-route approach, where protection is ensured from the outset of flight.

UNHCR has been present in Malta since 2005, supporting the country in its role as a frontline EU Member State. The office works closely with public authorities, civil society, and refugee led organisations to improve reception conditions, strengthen the asylum system, and promote durable solutions and integration.

In his closing remarks, the Ombudsman reaffirmed that the Office is accessible to all persons seeking protection who feel aggrieved by acts or omissions of the public administration. He welcomed continued collaboration with UNHCR and organisations working in the field of migration and asylum.

The Head of the UNHCR Malta office was accompanied by Ms Parvina Munovarova, Associate Protection Officer at UNHCR Malta. The Ombudsman was accompanied by Jurgen Cassar, Head of Communications and Research at the Office of the Ombudsman.