Table of Contents PREFACE..................................................................................................... 5 KEY FIGURES 2009......................................................................................7 Performance record...................................................................................7 Communication with the public............................................................... 13 General observations............................................................................... 15 INTERNATIONAL ACTIVITIES...................................................................... 23 International Ombudsman Institute (I.O.I).............................................. 23 Bilateral contacts and projects............................................................... 24 EU twinning project................................................................................. 25 International conferences....................................................................... 25 FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS........................................................................... 27 Right to property, liberty and personal security..................................... 27 Right to a fair and public trial.................................................................. 29 Principle of equality................................................................................. 30 Right to private and family life................................................................ 34 Right to religious freedom . .................................................................... 37 Prohibition of torture................................................................................ 38 Protection of minorities............................................................................ 40 Discrimination due to gender.................................................................. 41 Discrimination due to nationality or ethnic origin.................................. 45 Discrimination due to illness or disability............................................... 49 Discrimination due to age........................................................................ 51

Select target paragraph3