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Principles on the Protection and

Promotion of the Ombudsman Institution
(the Venice Principles)

Adopted by the Venice Commission
at its 118 Plenary Session
th
(Venice, 15-16 March 2019)

Endorsed by the Committee of Ministers
at the 1345 Meeting of the Ministers’ Deputies
th
(Strasbourg, 2 May 2019)

The European Commission for Democracy through Law (“the Venice
Commission”)

Noting that there are presently Ombudsman Institutions in more than 140
States, at the national, regional or local level, with different competences;

Recognising that these Institutions have adapted into the legal and
political system of the respective States;

Noting that the core principles of the Ombudsman Institution, including
independence, objectivity, transparency, fairness and impartiality, may
be achieved through a variety of different models;

Emphasising that the Ombudsman is an important element in a State
based on democracy, the rule of law, the respect for human rights and
fundamental freedoms and good administration;

Emphasising that long-standing constitutional traditions and a mature
constitutional and democratic political culture constitute an enabling
element to the democratic and legal functioning of the Ombudsman
Institution;

Emphasising that the Ombudsman plays an important role in protecting
Human Rights Defenders;

Emphasising the importance of national and international co-operation of
Ombudsman Institutions and similar institutions;

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