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Iceland, Ireland, Malta, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland,
              Portugal, Romania, Russian Federation, and Spain.


              Protecting and promoting human rights and fundamental freedoms

              Principle 8(b)
              Ombudsman institutions often have a mandate beyond the investigation
              of  complaints,  which  includes  proactive  promotion  and  protection  of
              citizens’ rights. In Poland, for example, the Human Rights Commissioner
              is under a duty to analyse, monitor, and support the equal treatment of all
              persons  and  to  conduct  independent  research  and  make
              recommendations in relation to discrimination. In Moldova, the People’s
              Advocate’s  Annual  Report  for  2017  shows  the  wide  range  of  ways
              through which it seeks to promote human rights. This includes informing
              the public through conferences, roundtables, meetings, forums, contests,
              exhibitions, producing videos, distributing informative materials, training,
              and collaboration with the media. In 2017, 174 promotion activities were
              conducted  by  the  People’s  Advocate,  directly  reaching  5800
              beneficiaries.

              In  Montenegro  the  Ombudsman  uses  analytical  research  and  public
              surveys to convey the importance of the institution and contribute to the
              policy debate. The result has been that citizens of Montenegro identify
              the Ombudsman Institution as the most effective national public institution
              for protecting human rights and fighting discrimination. The institution has
              also worked to actively reach out to the public via public events and social
              media. It notably developed a communication strategy with specific social
              media guidelines and enhanced its presence on digital platforms and its
              outreach with youth.

              In  addition  to  monitoring,  research,  and  promotion,  Ombudsman
              institutions often have formal powers to recommend changes to the law.
              In Sweden, for example, the Parliamentary Ombudsman is empowered
              to  make  recommendations  in  relation  to  shortcomings  in  legislation.
              Similarly,  in  Iceland,  the  Althing  Ombudsman  may  refer  flaws  in
              legislation to the national assembly, a cabinet minister or local authorities.

              In some jurisdictions, the Ombudsman is also empowered to refer laws
              to the courts for a view on their legality. In Bulgaria, for example, the
              Ombudsman can refer laws to the Constitutional Court where he or she
              considers that they may violate the rights and freedoms of citizens. In
              Estonia, the Chancellor of Justice is empowered to review proposals for
              legislation and may also make recommendations to amend legislation. In
              the  Russian  Federation  the  High  Commissioner  engages  with  the

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