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Statement by the Republic of Lithuania at the High-level panel on the theme “The importance of complying with the Venice Principles for Ombudsman institutions to strengthen the institutions’ independence and autonomy and create an enabling environment to perform their mandate nationally and internationally” on Monday, 18 May 2026.

Thank you, Madam moderator, for convening this timely discussion. We also wish to thank all the distinguished panellists for their insightful contributions.

Lithuania aligns itself with the statement delivered on behalf of the European Unions and its Member States.

In today’s increasingly complex geopolitical environment, democracies must remain vigilant. Authoritarian tendencies, hybrid threats, disinformation, and pressure on civic space all undermine security, public trust, and confidence in democratic institutions.

In this context, Ombudsperson institutions play a vital role. They help safeguard democratic governance, the rule of law, good administration, and the protection of fundamental rights. At a time when democratic standards and human rights are facing global backsliding, we are reminded that freedoms can never be taken for granted. They must be protected and upheld every day through principled and determined action.

The effectiveness of Ombudsperson institutions depends first and foremost on strong guarantees of independence, autonomy, impartiality, and adequate resources. This is precisely why the Venice Principles are so important. They provide a clear international framework for protecting Ombudsperson institutions from undue influence.

For Lithuania, these principles are directly linked to the daily work of the Parliamentary Ombudspersons’ Office – an independent institution with a broad human rights mandate. Its work is guided by independence, impartiality, legality, fairness, proportionality, transparency, and respect for every individual.

The Office has four core mandates.

First, it safeguards the right to good public administration. The Office examines complaints, conducts own-initiative investigations, issues recommendations, and promotes better administrative practice across public institutions.

Second, as a National Human Rights Institution, re-accredited with A-status under the Paris Principles, the Office addresses issues of systemic human rights concern. These include freedom of assembly, detention conditions, the rights of persons with disabilities, asylum procedures, and public participation in decision-making.

Third, as the National Preventive Mechanism under OPCAT, the Office regularly monitors places of deprivation of liberty, including prisons, psychiatric institutions, social care homes, infectious disease facilities, and detention or accommodation centres for foreigners.

Fourth, as National Rapporteur on Trafficking in Human Beings, the Office contributes to the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals 16.2 and 16.4 by analysing trends, institutional responses, and the effectiveness of victim protection.

The importance of strong and independent Ombudsperson institutions is also evident beyond national borders. In this spirit, we wish to acknowledge the value-based and humanitarian work of the Ukrainian Ombudsman’s institution in protecting deported and forcibly transferred Ukrainian children. By advocating for their safe return, supporting accountability, and keeping the rights and dignity of these children at the centre of international attention, the institution demonstrates the essential role of Ombudspersons in defending human rights in the most difficult circumstances.

In conclusion, independent Ombudsperson institutions are a cornerstone of democratic resilience. They are essential for upholding human rights, the rule of law, accountability, and public trust.

Lithuania remains firmly committed to strengthening these principles and to supporting independent and effective Ombudsperson institutions, both nationally and internationally.

Thank you.