Supporting ombudsman cooperation in the eastern partnership countries

This study has been commissioned by the European Parliament as an input to the analysis of the international, in particular European Union's, assistance to national human rights institutions in the countries of the Eastern Partnership. Since the calls on Belarus so far have failed to result in the establishment of such an institution in this country, the study focuses only on Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine. While noting the strengthening of the standing and a considerable progress in work of the analyzed institutions, the study refers to the assessments presented by them, as well as to external opinions that emphasize the need to continue programmes of support offered to these institutions. Such support is relevant to both the capacity-building, including networking and exchange of good practices, and ensuring appropriate impact and independence of these institutions within the state structures. In this context, the study proposes several steps to be taken by the EU, and in particular by the European Parliament. The guiding idea of these suggestions is the adoption of a focused and streamlined strategic approach, envisaging a time-frame for the European Union's engagement which would allow for achieving sustainable results.