NCHR Participates in Regional Conference on Human Rights Institutions in Nicosia

The National Council for Human Rights (NCHR) participated in the regional conference held in Nicosia, Cyprus, from 10 to 12 November 2026, under the title “The Impact of Institutional Roles on Improving Citizens’ Quality of Life and Protecting Human Rights over 35 Years.” The conference was organized by the Office of the Commissioner for Administration and the Protection of Human Rights of the Republic of Cyprus, in cooperation with the Association of Mediterranean Ombudsmen, to mark the 35th anniversary of the establishment of the Cypriot institution.

NCHR was represented at the conference by Ms. Vivian Mourad, NCHR Board Member and Chairperson of the Complaints Committee. The conference brought together representatives of Ombudsman institutions and national human rights institutions from numerous countries, as well as representatives of regional and international organizations.

The event also witnessed high-level participation, including Ms. Teresa Anjinho, European Ombudsman; Ms. Maria Stylianou-Lottides, Commissioner for Administration and the Protection of Human Rights of the Republic of Cyprus; Ms. Annita Demetriou, President of the House of Representatives of Cyprus; and a representative of His Excellency President Nikos Christodoulides of the Republic of Cyprus.

The conference addressed the evolving roles of Ombudsman institutions and national human rights institutions, ways to strengthen their effectiveness and independence, and the development of mechanisms for receiving and following up on complaints. Discussions also focused on enhancing regional and international cooperation and exchanging expertise and good practices in the fields of protection, oversight, and redress.

NCHR’s participation reflects its commitment to strengthening its active presence in regional and international forums, expanding cooperation and the exchange of expertise with peer institutions, and benefiting from comparative experiences and good practices. It also underscores NCHR’s commitment to further activating its role within the Association of Mediterranean Ombudsmen, thereby enhancing its standing and presence at both the regional and international levels.