Appeal to EU for protection of the Ombudsman for Human Rights in Poland

14.04.2021

"What is at stake here is not Mr. Bodnar’s job, but the ability of the Office of the Ombudsman to continue to play its role in the defense of citizen’s rights, of democracy and rule of law", the letter to the EU Commissioner says.

Rafto Foundation makes a last attempt to secure the continuity of leadership of the Office of the Ombudsman for Human Rights Poland.

The Office has since 2015 been led by Ombudsman and Rafto Laureate of 2018 Adam Bodnar, admired across Europe for his brave and diligent work for human rights and democracy in Poland while the judiciary has been under relentless attack by the “Law and Justice” party in government.

Adam Bodnar may be ousted as interim Ombudsman by a politicized “Constitutional Tribunal” tomorrow, and replaced by nobody. This calculated move by “Law and Justice” members in Parliament will dramatically weaken the defence of the human rights of every Polish citizen.

The Rafto Foundation is following the latest developments closely.