Prishtinë, 1 November 2023 – The Ombudsperson, Mr. Naim Qelaj, is participating in the International Conference with the theme:  “The Right to Good Administration: Myth, Aspiration or Reality?” organized by the Association of Mediterranean Ombudsmen (AOM) in collaboration with the Parliamentary Ombudsman of Malta, between 31 October and 1 November 2023, in Valletta, Malta.

The purpose of this Conference was to discuss the role of Ombudsmen concerning the right in good administration, by promoting and ensuring that public administration acts in a transparent and accountable manner and treats citizens fairly and without discrimination.

The work of the Conference was divided into 4 sessions which dealt with the following sub-themes:

1. Ombudsman’s role in good administration
2. The right to good administration, human rights and privacy
3. Improving the relationship between independent institutions and public administration
4. Access to citizens: Ombudsman as citizens’ rights defender

Within the framework of joint meetings with his counterparts, Mr. Qelaj, had the opportunity to share the experience of the Institution related to good administration, the advanced legal framework which is applicable in Kosovo as well as the work of the institutions that guarantee implementation of the principles of good administration in our country.

At the end of the Conference, the Malta Declaration on Good Administration was adopted which recommends that all state authorities of the Mediterranean region countries represented in the Association of Mediterranean Ombudsmen to recognize the right to good administration in their legislation and policies as well as to implement it.

Participants of this Conference were welcomed in an official dinner under the patronage of the President of the Republic of Malta, H.E. Mr. George Vella, at his residence, in Verdala Palace.

The Association of Mediterranean Ombudsmen (AOM) was established in 2008 in Marseille, France, with the aim to promote democracy, rule of law and social peace in the Mediterranean region. It works for advancement of the respect for human rights and international cooperation with other organizations that are dedicated to the promotion and protection of human rights. Ombudsperson Institution of the Republic of Kosovo has been a full member of this Association as of 2016.