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​Who is Who in International Protection in the EU+: National Human Rights Institutions and Ombudspersons

Most EU+ countries have NHRIs and Ombudsperson institutions to protect the fundamental human rights of natural and legal persons, including asylum seekers and refugees. As national independent organisations with competencies in asylum and migration, they are key stakeholders in the field of international protection and reliable sources of information.

The information has been validated by each country, except for Croatia, Estonia, Iceland, Portugal and Romania. In addition, the Austrian Children and Youth Ombuds Offices, the ​National Ombudsman and Children's Ombudsman of the Netherlands and the Slovak National Centre for Human Rights were not officially validated.​

​​Overview of the role of National Human Rights Institutions and Ombudspersons

This overview presents the roles and activities of NHRIs, Ombudsperson institutions and Ombudsperson for Children in the field of international protection. Hover over a country to see whether an institution:
  • Monitors and raises awareness of the rights of asylum seekers and refugees
  • Advises and makes recommendations on matters related to international protection
  • Conducts research on asylum and migration
  • Handles complaints of asylum seekers and refugees
  • Investigates complaints ex officio
  • Provides legal advice
  • Has been mandated as the National Protection Mechanism and regularly visits and reports on detention facilities and reception centres.
  • Monitors forced returns in line with Article 8(6) of the Returns Directive
  • Cooperates with international organisations and civil society organisations in the field of international protection
  • Provides information on rights related to asylum and migration.

These activities are not uniformly applicable in Austria (Children and Youth Ombuds Offices)​, Germany, Italy and Switzerland as they have regional Ombudspersons, meaning their activities and roles in the field of international protection may vary by region.
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