The Ombudsman meets the Ambassador of France to Malta

The Ombudsman meets the Ambassador of France to Malta

Published November 27, 2024

The Parliamentary Ombudsman, Judge Emeritus Joseph Zammit McKeon, received a courtesy visit from the Ambassador of France to Malta, H.E. Sandrine Lelong-Motta. The meeting was part of the Ombudsman's ongoing outreach initiative to engage with various segments of society, including the diplomatic community.

Welcoming the Ambassador, the Ombudsman explained that the Office of the Ombudsman in Malta is committed to serving Maltese nationals and all individuals who may experience acts of maladministration by the Maltese public administration. This includes French nationals residing in or visiting Malta. He emphasised that the institution is dedicated to ensuring fairness and justice for everyone, regardless of nationality.

Ambassador Lelong-Motta expressed her appreciation for the meeting and thanked the Ombudsman for extending his office's services to French nationals. She noted that this opportunity would undoubtedly benefit French nationals in Malta, enhancing their awareness of the support available to them.

During their discussion, the Ombudsman elaborated on his role in international forums, particularly as Secretary General and Treasurer of the Association of Mediterranean Ombudsmen (AOM). He highlighted that the AOM brings together Ombudsmen from across the Mediterranean basin to discuss and address common challenges faced by member countries. As a founding member, France has always played a significant role in the organisation.

The Ambassador acknowledged the importance of such international collaborations in tackling shared issues affecting Mediterranean countries, notably migration and the effects of climate change. She recognised that organisations like the AOM are vital in fostering dialogue and developing collective solutions.

The Ombudsman also informed the Ambassador about the upcoming 30th Anniversary commemoration of the Office of the Ombudsman, culminating in an international Ombudsman conference in October 2025. The conference, themed "Upholding Good Governance in Challenging Times – The Mandate of the Ombudsman," will bring together ombudsmen and experts to discuss the evolving role of Ombudsman institutions in promoting transparency and accountability.

Furthermore, he updated the Ambassador on the institution's efforts to broaden its remit, to include the promotion and protection of human rights. The Ombudsman reiterated that his office has all the credentials to become an NHRI.

Concluding the meeting, Ambassador Lelong-Motta remarked on the value of such engagements, especially at the start of her tenure as Ambassador to Malta. She appreciated the opportunity to become better acquainted with the work of constitutional offices like the Office of the Ombudsman, recognising their crucial role in upholding good governance and the rule of law.