Prishtina, 29th May 2026 – On 28th and 29th May 2026, the Ombudsperson Institution (OI), represented by a delegation composed of Mr. Naim Qelaj, Ombudsperson, Ms. Anita Çavdarbasha Korenica, Deputy Ombudsperson, and Ms. Arberita Kryeziu, Head of the Office for International Relations, participated in the International Conference of Ombudsmen, held at the Italian Parliament, on the topic “Citizen Protection, Rights and Democratic Innovation”.

The conference brought together Ombudsperson institutions, human rights experts, mediators, academics and institutional representatives from Europe, Africa, Asia and America. Its aim was to strengthen international cooperation between Ombudsperson institutions, as well as to promote the Rome Declaration 2026 as a common framework for advancing their work at the global level.

The conference was held in three working sessions, with different discussion topics. In the second session, on the topic “Building an international protection network: cooperation and exchange of best practices”, the Ombudsperson Institution held a presentation on the importance of strengthening international cooperation networks in the field of human rights.

In this address, it was emphasized that contemporary challenges in the field of human rights, including pressures on institutional independence, disinformation, social polarization, inequalities and the limitation of civic space are challenges that transcend national borders and require joint and coordinated responses at the international level. Referring to fundamental international principles, it was reiterated that institutional independence remains the cornerstone of the effectiveness and credibility of Ombudsperson institutions, as guaranteed by the Paris Principles of the United Nations and the Venice Principles of the Council of Europe. In this context, it was underlined that without institutional independence there can be no public trust, and without public trust there can be no effective protection of human rights.

During its stay in Rome, among many other meetings, the delegation of the Ombudsperson Institution also held a meeting with the European Ombudsperson, Ms. Teresa Anjinho, with whom they discussed the involvement of the Kosovo Ombudsperson Institution in the activities of the European Network of Ombudsmen (ENO), as well as the possibilities of deepening cooperation and exchange of practices in the field of human rights protection.

As part of the official conference program, the participating delegations also attended the General Audience with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV on May 27, 2026 in the Vatican. This event represents a moment of particular importance in the context of international dialogue and engagement, reaffirming the role of the universal values ​​of human dignity, peace, solidarity and respect for fundamental rights in promoting understanding and cooperation between peoples and institutions.

The participation of the Ombudsperson Institution in this international forum reconfirms its continued commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights in accordance with international standards, as well as strengthening cooperation with counterpart institutions and international partners.

The conference concluded with the adoption of the Rome Declaration 2026, reaffirming the common commitment of the participating institutions to strengthening democratic governance, the rule of law and the effective protection of citizens’ rights through independent Ombudsperson institutions.