OSCE/ODIHR Opinion on the Draft Law Amending and Supplementing the Ombudsman Act of
Bulgaria
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................... 3
II. SCOPE OF REVIEW ................................................................................... 3
III. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ........................................................................... 4
IV. ANALYSIS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ............................................... 5
1. International Standards on National Human Rights Institutions .............................. 5
2. Mandate ........................................................................................................................... 7
2.1. Promotion of Human Rights ................................................................................................ 7
2.2
Extension of the Mandate to Acts and Omissions of the Private Sector .............................. 7
2.3
Protection of Citizens and Other Natural Persons .............................................................. 8
3. The Power to Encourage the Ratification of International Instruments ................... 9
4. Selection and Appointment ............................................................................................ 9
4.1
Selection and Appointment of the Ombudsman and the Deputy Ombudsman .................... 9
4.2
Selection of Staff ................................................................................................................ 12
5. Pluralism in Decision-Making Processes .................................................................... 12
6. Adequate Funding of the Institution ........................................................................... 13
6.1. General Remarks ............................................................................................................... 13
6.2. Specific Budget for the Ombudsman as a National Preventive Mechanism ..................... 14
7. Specific Provisions pertaining to NPM ....................................................................... 15
8. Other Comments ........................................................................................................... 15
Annex:
Draft Law Amending and Supplementing the Ombudsman Act
2