In
co-operation with the North-South Centre of the
Council of Europe and the Aga Khan Foundation,
the Venice
Commission organised the Lisbon Forum 2007 on
"National human rights institutions - the
cornerstone of the protection and promotion of
human rights" (16-17 November 2007). The Forum
discussed the role and objectives of national
human rights institutions, in particular those
of ombudspersons and national human rights
commissions. The Forum had a particular focus on
the interaction between these institutions and
national courts, whether constitutional or
ordinary courts. In addition, participants
discussed the role of these institutions in the
promotion and protection of the rights of
vulnerable groups.
On
4-6 October 2007, the XIIth Yerevan
International Conference, organised in
co-operation with the Constitutional Court of
Armenia, dealt with the topic "International
experience of the co-operation between
Constitutional Courts and Ombudsmen in the field
of the protection of Human Rights". One of
the main subjects of the discussions was
the possibility of ombudspersons to appeal to
constitutional courts, seeking the annulment of
unconstitutional legislation. In its opinions,
the Venice
Commission recommends this type of appeal, which
can be particularly beneficial for the
protection of human rights.
In its Opinion on the possible reform of
the Ombudsman Institution in
Kazakhstan,
adopted in June 2007, the Venice
Commission took the opportunity to discuss
this issue as well as other topics, which are
essential for the independence and efficiency of
ombudsman institutions (constitutional
guarantees, budgetary independence, specialised
ombudsman institutions,
etc.).
The
Venice
Commission is also available for requests for
opinions by ombudspersons on issues other
than their own status, so-called
amicus
ombud opinions.
At its December session, the Commission endorsed
its Comments on the compatibility of
Article 301 of the Criminal Code of Armenia with
European Standards. Article 301 penalises
"public calls for seizing state power by
force".
