During the session, the Ombudsperson's Office presented the Strategy for Strengthening Regional Presence of the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights. The Strategy envisions developing and enhancing the Ombudsperson's regional representation through establishing the Network of the Ombudsperson's Regional Offices Plus, supported by UNDP Ukraine. As a result, a new type of the Ombudsperson's Regional Offices will be introduced. It will now be co-run by a Regional Representative (public servant) and a Regional Coordinator (representative of civil society). The upcoming recruitment process for all staff will be held on the basis of open competition.

 

The presentation of the Strategy was followed by a workshop on a wide range of the topics, including monitoring human rights, implementing the National Preventive Mechanism, ensuring the rights of the child, social rights, and access to public information, as well as developing communication skills.

 

Regional representatives from Zakarpattia, Rivne, Mykolaiv, and Ternopil oblasts presented their experiences on fighting discrimination, protecting rights of internally displaced persons, and monitoring court sessions.

 

The strategic planning session resulted in the new 2016 Work Plan being developed and adopted. It covers activities on implementing the Ombudsperson's mandate, further developing the Regional Network, and strengthening capacities of staff.

 

 

The initiative is supported by the Strengthening Capacities of the Office of the Ombudsperson Project, implemented by UNDP Ukraine and funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark.