Networks
International Ombudsman Institute
The Greek Ombudsman is a member of the International Ombudsman Institute (IOI). Ms Calliope Spanou is a member of the European Board of IOI.
Network of Ombudsmen of the Mediterranean Area
The Ombudsman actively participates in the Network of Ombudsmen of the Mediterranean Area, established in 2008 on the initiative of the Ombudsmen of France, Spain and Morocco. The network is intended to create a permanent structure for dialogue and cooperation between the entities and their respective countries, and to promote democratic principles of governance and respect for human rights. The objectives of the network are achieved through training programmes and exchange of experience, comparative studies for Ombudsman entities, actions to inform citizens and to strengthen the local Ombudsmen, contributing to the consolidation of newly established Ombudsmen.
• In the fifth meeting of the members of the network (30-31 May 2011) in Malta, on “The Role of the Ombudsman in Strengthening Good Governance and Democracy”, the Greek Ombudsman presented the topic “The Impact of Political Changes on the Functions and Actions of the Ombudsman”.
Protection and promotion of children's rights
The Greek Ombudsman participates in the European Network of Ombudsmen for Children (ENOC) and the European Network of Young Advisors (ENYA). In 2011 the Deputy Ombudsman for Children’s Rights, George Moschos, and Ombudsman investigators participated in:
• A meeting of the Bureau of ENOC in Brussels (16-17 May 2011) and at the annual general meeting of ENOC in Warsaw (13-16 September 2011).
• A conference on tackling violence in schools, organized by the Council of Europe in Oslo (27-28 June 2011).
• Τhe annual conference and seminar of ENYA in Belfast (25-27 July 2011).
Gender equality
The Ombudsman Office cooperates and exchanges expertise with international organizations working on gender equality. In line with the Ombudsman’s mission to promote equal treatment, the Ombudsman is a member of the Gender Equality Bodies Network and European Network of Equality Bodies (Equinet).
In 2011 the following network meetings:
• The Greek Ombudsman Calliope Spanou attended a meeting of the European Network on Equinet «Realising the Potential of Equality Bodies», held in Brussels. The Ombudsman chaired the section «The Potential of Equality Bodies in Promoting Equality and the Need for Clear Standards for Equality Bodies - A Council of Europe Perspective» (29 November 2011).
• Ombudsman senior investigators attended a legal seminar of the European network Equinet entitled «Legal Developments and Concepts in the Field of Equality and Non-discrimination in Europe», held in Brussels (28 March 2011). Also, senior investigators participated in the working group meeting «Working Group on Dynamic Interpretation» (14 September 2011) that took place in Brussels. Additionally, the Ombudsman contributed the report of the network entitled “Developing a Strategy for Equality Bodies to Provide Independent Assistance to Victims of Discrimination”. A senior investigator participated in a planning meeting of the Equinet working group «Strategy Development Working Group» Budapest (28 April 2011).
• A senior investigator participated in a seminar of the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) of the Council of Europe, «Seminar with National Specialised Bodies to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination. Racism and Racial Discrimination in Employment », held in Strasbourg (26-27 May 2011).
• A senior investigator participated in the meeting of regional Ombudsmen on "The role of the Ombudsman in the fight against discrimination and the prevention of torture," organized by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in collaboration with the Office of the Ombudsman of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia in Ohrid (10-11 June 2011).
• A senior investigator participated in a conference organized by the European Network Against Racism (ENAR) on «Employment Conference - Broadening the Race for Equality» in Brussels (24 June 2011).
• A senior investigator participated in the conference organised by European Commission Directorate-General for Justice on "Equality between women and men", held in Brussels (19-20 September 2011).
