The Council of Europe ON Forum is a high-level conference convening Ombudsperson Institutions and National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) to discuss and enhance their roles in safeguarding democracy and human rights. Organized by the Council of Europe, the 2026 edition is scheduled for March 12-13 at the Council's headquarters in Strasbourg, France, under the auspices of the Moldovan Presidency of the Committee of Ministers and co-organized by the European Court of Human Rights and the Directorate General for Human Rights and Rule of Law.
The forum will address critical issues such as foreign interference in democratic processes, the erosion of checks and balances, and the interplay between fundamental rights and democracy, with a particular focus on freedoms of expression, opinion, and assembly. Sessions will feature discussions led by prominent figures, including Egils Levits, former President of Latvia and former Judge of the European Court of Human Rights, and representatives from various human rights institutions across Europe.
Attendees will have opportunities for networking during scheduled breaks and a reception on the first day. The event will also include a family photo session and lunch provided by the Council of Europe. Working languages are English and French, with simultaneous interpretation available to facilitate inclusive participation.
This forum is essential for Ombudspersons, NHRI representatives, policymakers, and human rights advocates seeking to strengthen democratic institutions and address contemporary challenges to democracy. Participation offers a platform to exchange best practices, engage with experts, and contribute to shaping the future of human rights protection in Europe.
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Speakers(36)
Alexis Fricker
Journalist at ARTE
Alexis Fricker is a journalist at ARTE, known for moderating discussions on European political and social issues.
Alyson Kilpatrick
Chief Commissioner at Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission
Alyson Kilpatrick is the Chief Commissioner of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission and Secretary of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI).
Anahit Manasyan
Human Rights Defender at Republic of Armenia
Anahit Manasyan is the Human Rights Defender of the Republic of Armenia, responsible for safeguarding human rights in Armenia.
Andreas Pottakis
Greek Ombudsman at Greece
Andreas Pottakis is the Greek Ombudsman, addressing issues related to public administration and human rights in Greece.
Bjørn Berge
Deputy Secretary General at Council of Europe
Bjørn Berge serves as the Deputy Secretary General of the Council of Europe, overseeing the organization's operations and strategic initiatives.
Ceslav Panico
People's Advocate (Ombudsman) at Republic of Moldova
Ceslav Panico serves as the People's Advocate (Ombudsman) of the Republic of Moldova, focusing on human rights protection and advocacy.
Claire Hédon
Defender of Rights at France
Claire Hédon is the Defender of Rights in France, responsible for protecting citizens' rights and promoting equality.
Clare Ovey
Director of Human Rights at Council of Europe
Clare Ovey is the Director of Human Rights at the Council of Europe, overseeing initiatives to uphold human rights across member states.
Daniela Cujbă
Ambassador, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Moldova at Council of Europe
Daniela Cujbă is the Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Republic of Moldova to the Council of Europe, currently presiding over the Committee of Ministers.
Debbie Kohner
Secretary General at European Network of National Human Rights Institutions (ENNHRI)
Debbie Kohner is the Secretary General of ENNHRI, coordinating the network's activities to promote human rights institutions across Europe.
Diana Kovatcheva
Judge at European Court of Human Rights
Diana Kovatcheva is a Judge at the European Court of Human Rights, contributing to the court's jurisprudence on human rights issues.
Dmytro Lubinets
Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights at Ukraine
Dmytro Lubinets is the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights, responsible for overseeing human rights issues in Ukraine.
Egils Levits
Former President of Latvia, Former Judge at European Court of Human Rights
Egils Levits is the former President of Latvia and a former Judge at the European Court of Human Rights, with extensive experience in European law and governance.
Frédéric Dolt
Head of the Department for the Execution of Judgments at Council of Europe
Frédéric Dolt is the Head of the Department for the Execution of Judgments at the Council of Europe, overseeing the implementation of court decisions.
Hanne Juncher
Director of Security, Integrity and Rule of Law at Council of Europe
Hanne Juncher is the Director of Security, Integrity and Rule of Law at the Council of Europe, focusing on promoting democratic governance and legal standards.
Isaac Clark
LLB Student at University of Liverpool
Isaac Clark is an LLB student at the University of Liverpool, engaging as a young challenger in discussions on checks and balances in democracy.
John Darcy
Grand Chamber Registrar at European Court of Human Rights
John Darcy is the Grand Chamber Registrar at the European Court of Human Rights, managing the court's Grand Chamber proceedings.
Liam Herrick
Chief Commissioner at Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC)
Liam Herrick is the Chief Commissioner of the IHREC, leading efforts to promote human rights and equality in Ireland.
Louise Holck
Chair at European Network of National Human Rights Institutions (ENNHRI)
Louise Holck is the Chair of ENNHRI and Director of the Danish Institute of Human Rights, advocating for human rights across Europe.
Maja Klein
Winner at Council of Europe Hackathon
Maja Klein is the winner of the Council of Europe hackathon 'Outsmart disinformation, protect free speech,' contributing innovative solutions to combat disinformation.
Marialena Tsirli
Registrar at European Court of Human Rights
Marialena Tsirli is the Registrar of the European Court of Human Rights, managing the court's administrative functions.
Mattias Guyomar
President at European Court of Human Rights
Mattias Guyomar is the President of the European Court of Human Rights, overseeing the court's operations and jurisprudence.
Maurizio Cuttin
Vice-Chairperson at Advisory Council on Youth, Council of Europe
Maurizio Cuttin is the Vice-Chairperson of the Advisory Council on Youth at the Council of Europe, representing youth interests in policy discussions.
Michael O’Flaherty
Commissioner for Human Rights at Council of Europe
Michael O’Flaherty serves as the Commissioner for Human Rights at the Council of Europe, advocating for human rights across member states.
Michael O’Neill
Head of Legal at Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission
Michael O’Neill is the Head of Legal at the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, overseeing legal strategies and interventions.
Mykola Gnatovskyy
Judge at European Court of Human Rights
Mykola Gnatovskyy serves as a Judge at the European Court of Human Rights, specializing in international human rights law.
Oddný Mjöll Arnardóttir
Judge at European Court of Human Rights
Oddný Mjöll Arnardóttir serves as a Judge at the European Court of Human Rights, specializing in human rights law.
Orlando Moore
LLM Student at University of Liverpool
Orlando Moore is an LLM student at the University of Liverpool, participating as a young challenger in discussions on democratic processes.
Rafael Bustos Gisbert
Member in respect of Spain at Venice Commission, Council of Europe
Rafael Bustos Gisbert represents Spain in the Venice Commission, providing expertise on constitutional law and democratic institutions.
Reinier Van Zutphen
National Ombudsman at Netherlands
Reinier Van Zutphen serves as the National Ombudsman of the Netherlands and Regional Director of the International Ombudsman Institute (IOI) Europe.
Rick Lawson
President at Netherlands Institute for Human Rights
Rick Lawson is the President of the Netherlands Institute for Human Rights, leading efforts to promote and protect human rights in the Netherlands.
Simona Drenik Bavdek
Human Rights Ombudswoman at Republic of Slovenia
Simona Drenik Bavdek is the Human Rights Ombudswoman of the Republic of Slovenia, focusing on the protection of human rights in Slovenia.
Sirpa Rautio
Director at EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA)
Sirpa Rautio is the Director of the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights, leading efforts to protect and promote fundamental rights within the EU.
Tigran Manukyan
Coordinator at Public Council on Children’s and Youth Rights, Armenia
Tigran Manukyan coordinates the Public Council on Children’s and Youth Rights adjunct to the Human Rights Defender of the Republic of Armenia.
Tobias Flessenkemper
Head of the Youth Department at Council of Europe
Tobias Flessenkemper is the Head of the Youth Department at the Council of Europe, focusing on youth engagement and policy development.
Vasilka Sancin
Judge at European Court of Human Rights
Vasilka Sancin serves as a Judge at the European Court of Human Rights, contributing to the court's decisions on human rights cases.
Event Details
- Date
- March 12-13, 2026
- 2 days
- Location
- 🇫🇷 Strasbourg, France
- Council of Europe Headquarters
- Audience
- Ombudspersons, NHRI representatives, policymakers, human rights advocates