30th Anniversary Official Commemoration ceremony under the auspicies of the President of Malta

30th Anniversary Official Commemoration ceremony under the auspicies of the President of Malta

Published October 17, 2025

The Office of the Ombudsman celebrated its 30th anniversary with an official commemoration held under the auspices of H.E. Myriam Spiteri Debono, President of Malta, at the historic Palace in Valletta.

The event brought together Ombudsman institutions and human rights defenders from across Europe, the Mediterranean, and beyond, as well as members of the diplomatic corps, senior civil servants, and other distinguished guests. The evening marked not only a celebration of the institution’s history but also a reaffirmation of its mission — to safeguard fairness, transparency, and accountability in public administration.

A legacy of integrity and service

This year’s anniversary marks three decades of dedication, service, and advocacy for good governance and the right to fair public administration, an institution that has become a pillar of democracy, accountability, and integrity in Malta.

The Ombudsman Act was approved by the Maltese Parliament on 18 July 1995, and in less than four months, by November 1995, the Office was ready to receive complaints, a clear reflection of Parliament’s commitment to establishing an independent avenue of redress for citizens.

In 2007, the Office was granted constitutional protection, formally recognising it as an independent constitutional authority. This development underscored its enduring role as a guardian of citizens’ rights and as an accountability mechanism at the heart of Malta’s democratic framework.

Another significant milestone followed in 2012, with the introduction of the Specialised Commissioners for Administrative Investigations, covering the areas of Health, Environment and Planning, and Education. This expansion strengthened the institution’s ability to address complex administrative issues and promote good governance across critical sectors.

In 2020, through an important constitutional amendment, the Ombudsman Act itself was entrenched in the Constitution, reinforcing the Office’s autonomy, independence, and permanence.

Since its establishment, the Office of the Ombudsman has handled over 18,000 complaints, each representing a person seeking fairness and redress. Through this work, the Office has contributed to building a more transparent and accountable public sector, helping to shape policies and practices that serve the common good.

Address by the Parliamentary Ombudsman

In his address, Parliamentary Ombudsman Judge Joseph Zammit McKeon reflected on the journey of the institution and its lasting relevance within Malta’s constitutional framework. He emphasised that the Office’s strength lies in its proven independence and in the trust it continues to enjoy from the public and public administration alike.

Judge Zammit McKeon noted that the Ombudsman’s role goes beyond adjudicating complaints, it serves as a constructive force that promotes integrity and fairness throughout public administration. He underlined the importance of a public service motivated by duty and respect for the person, noting that when public officials view their role as service rather than power, they contribute significantly to the common good.

He also reminded that the Office’s independence should not be perceived as a hindrance, but as a mechanism that strengthens democracy and ensures accountability. The Ombudsman, he affirmed, “exists to listen, to act without barriers, and to champion material justice.”

Reflecting on the institution’s progress, Judge Zammit McKeon expressed gratitude to all those who served before him and reaffirmed the Office’s commitment to continue serving with integrity and fairness, ensuring that public confidence in the institution remains justified and strong.

Address by H.E. Myriam Spiteri Debono, President of Malta

In her address, the President H.E. Myriam Spiteri Debono welcomed delegates to the Palace and congratulated the Office of the Ombudsman on reaching its 30th anniversary, a milestone that, she said, highlights “three decades of unwavering commitment to protecting citizens’ rights.”

The President noted that the Ombudsman’s establishment in 1995 marked a pivotal step for democracy in Malta, creating an accessible, impartial mechanism through which citizens could seek justice in cases of maladministration. She remarked that the Office had become a protector of citizens’ rights, often the only practical recourse for vulnerable persons, providing fair resolution without the costs or delays associated with formal court procedures.

President Spiteri Debono underlined the importance of maintaining adequate funding and political goodwill to ensure that the Ombudsman continues to operate effectively. She also drew attention to the crucial link between the public’s faith in the Ombudsman and the authorities’ willingness to act on its recommendations, noting that an Ombudsman’s true strength depends not only on its independence but also on the responsiveness of government.

Reflecting on the global reach of the Ombudsman institution from Sweden’s first establishment in 1809 to over 200 offices worldwide today, the President described it as a “bridge between citizen and authority,” embodying the essence of fairness and the rule of law.

She also referred to United Nations General Assembly Resolution 77/177 (2024), which reaffirmed the importance of independent Ombudsman and mediation bodies in promoting good governance, human rights, and the rule of law. The President commended Malta’s participation in the international Ombudsman community and highlighted the role of the two-day conference accompanying the anniversary in fostering exchange and cooperation among institutions.

Looking ahead, President Spiteri Debono called for Ombudsman institutions to remain agile and forward-looking, ready to address emerging challenges such as digital rights, environmental accountability, and data privacy. She concluded by expressing gratitude to all who had contributed to the Office’s work over the past 30 years and by extending her best wishes to the current Ombudsman and his team in continuing their mission to uphold justice and fairness for all.

A Celebration of Commitment and Renewal

The 30th anniversary commemoration served as both a celebration of institutional legacy and a renewal of purpose. It reaffirmed that the Office of the Ombudsman, grounded in integrity, impartiality, and service to the public, remains an indispensable pillar of good governance in Malta.

As Judge Zammit McKeon noted, the Office continues to look forward with “a renewed sense of purpose,” committed to serving every person with fairness and to strengthening public trust in the institutions of democracy.