The Verkhovna Rada supported the new version of the Ombudsman law as a basis
The Verkhovna Rada adopted as a basis draft law No. 13181 regarding the new version of the Law on the Verkhovna Rada Commissioner for Human Rights. The decision was supported by 256 people's deputies.
The draft law is intended to replace the outdated legislative act adopted back in 1997, which does not take into account modern challenges in the field of protection of human and citizen rights and freedoms.
The document aims to fulfill Ukraine's international obligations and align the activities of the Ombudsman institution with the Paris and Venice Principles of the UN.
The draft law provides for strengthening the institutional independence of the Commissioner and expanding his mandate.
As previously reported by Judicial and Legal Newspaper, the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Freedom of Speech considered draft law No. 13181 on the Verkhovna Rada Commissioner for Human Rights, submitted by a group of people's deputies led by Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk.
During the discussion, the Verkhovna Rada Commissioner for Human Rights Dmytro Lubinets noted that the draft law is the result of long joint work of the parliament, the Ombudsman Office, civil society, and international partners and is aimed at updating the institution in accordance with modern challenges, particularly under martial law conditions, as well as European human rights protection standards.
According to him, the draft law is important for Ukraine's European integration and fulfilling obligations within the EU accession negotiations. It also takes into account recommendations from international organizations regarding the expansion of the Ombudsman's powers, increasing transparency of the appointment procedure, and ensuring the financial independence of the institution.
The document provides comprehensive changes, including expanding the powers of the Commissioner, strengthening parliamentary control over human rights observance, streamlining the activities of the Secretariat and representatives, as well as improving mechanisms for considering citizens' appeals and the functioning of the National Preventive Mechanism.
The Committee emphasized that adopting the draft law is important for maintaining the international status of the institution and passing the relevant accreditation, as well as for increasing the effectiveness of responses to human rights violations.
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