In October 2007 the Assembly of Kosovo made an attempt to appoint the new Ombudsperson not following strictly the rules and procedure established in the law and allowed the process to be influenced by the interest of political parties. The lack of transparency resulted in a short list of candidates without a clear commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights and no work experience in the field concerned.
Former Ombudsperson Mr. Marek Antoni Nowicki, local and international NGO’s, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and OSCE Mission in Kosovo, among others, expressed their concern for what was considered to be an attempt to control the Ombudsperson Institution in order to limit or annul its capacity to denounce irregularities and defend the interest of the population.
With a view to ensure the protection of human rights and improve the access to justice in the new born State of Kosovo, the Ombudsperson must preserve its independence and be a figure of high moral character and impartial in carrying out its duties.
Given that the situation of last October 2007 is likely to be repeated soon when the Assembly of Kosovo will make the third attempt to elect the Ombudsperson, all relevant organizations and individuals should react and join efforts to ensure a transparent process and adequate selection of candidates.
Actualidad