Transparency and accountability are among the most important elements in the functioning of public institutions. They affect their integrity and the trust of citizens.
These issues, among others, were discussed at a meeting between the Ombudsman, M.Sc. Faton Seljami, and representatives of Transparency International–Macedonia, Blagoja Pandovski and Metodi Zajkov.
The participants agreed that the independence of institutions working in the field of protecting human freedoms and rights—above all, their financial independence—is of exceptional importance for their effective functioning. They stressed that only a strong Ombudsman institution can ensure a higher level of protection of citizens’ rights.
They also discussed the area of public outreach and promotion, as one of the important aspects of the Ombudsman’s work, particularly in raising citizens’ awareness of the mechanisms available for protecting their rights. The meeting also addressed strengthening cooperation between the Ombudsman and Transparency International–Macedonia through the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation.
Transparency International–Macedonia reaffirmed the findings of its latest assessment of the National Integrity System and emphasized the need for cooperation in implementing a system of internal and external channels for protected whistleblower reporting.
