Public Defender of Rights

Being here for everyone

I need help

I have a problem with an official authority

You disagree with an authority’s decision or procedure; the authority is inactive even though it should act; its decision-making is taking too long; you were not invited to become a party to certain proceedings; an officer treats you inappropriately, etc.
People restricted in their freedom are treated badly

They treat you, or someone close to you, badly in a retirement home, treatment facility for long-term patients, psychiatric hospital, children’s home, prison, or some other facility, and you think that the Ombudsman should make an inspection.
I think I am being discriminated against

Do you believe that someone is treating you differently because of your age, sex, nationality or on some other grounds specified by the Anti-Discrimination Act? Is it an authority, a company or local self-government that discriminate against you?
I have problems related to my disability

Have you experienced discrimination, unhelpfulness on the part of authorities or ill-treatment because of your disability? Would you like to let us know about any systemic problems, such as unavailability of certain services, barriers, etc.?
I am not sure how to deal with a difficult life situation

Read through our recommendations on how to deal with certain problems, such as debt enforcement, lengthy court proceedings, obtaining a construction permit, bullying at work, pension and social benefits, contact with children after divorce, infractions, etc.

News

The Public Defender of Rights defends the Slovak Ombudsman, who faces criticism from the Office of the Government of the Slovak Republic

August 25, 2025 News

Stanislav Křeček expresses his full support for the independent statements made by Róbert Dobrovodský, the Slovak Public Defender of Rights, who is facing public criticism from Prime Minister Robert Fico. The dispute concerns a petition submitted by the Slovak Ombudsman to the Constitutional Court of the Slovak Republic. The petition is directed against an amendment to the law regulating the activities of non-governmental organisations. This relates to the freedom of association of civil society. The Slovak Ombudsman considers the amendment incompatible with constitutionally guaranteed rights and freedoms.

From today onwards, the Children's Ombudsman will be there to protect children, while the National Human Rights Institution (NHRI) will become a human rights watchdog – all under one roof in Brno.

July 1, 2025 News

As of today, children can officially turn to the Children's Ombudsman for help. Until the Chamber of Deputies elects him, Deputy Ombudsman Vít Alexander Schorm will carry out his responsibilities. He will have a team of lawyers at his disposal. From 1 July, a new independent national human rights institution (NHRI) will assume the role of human rights watchdog in the Czech Republic, entrusting this responsibility to the Ombudsman. Its main task will be to evaluate the activities of the state from a human rights perspective. The Czech Republic will thus join other European countries that already have both bodies. The Children's Ombudsman and the NHRI will be based in the current ombudsman's Office at Údolní 39 in Brno. Its name will also change to the Office of the Public Defender of Rights and Defender of Children's Rights.

Ombudsman was honoured to welcome representatives of ombuds institutions from the Visegrad Four countries, who came to extend their congratulations

June 2, 2025 News

Marking a significant milestone, the Czech Ombudsman celebrated its 25th anniversary with a special gathering in Brno, welcoming representatives from ombuds institutions of the Visegrad Four countries, who arrived to offer their congratulations. Among the distinguished guests were Róbert Dobrovodský, the Public Defender of Rights of the Slovak Republic; Jozef Mikloško, the Commissioner for Children of Slovakia; Ákos Kozma, the Commissioner for Fundamental Rights of Hungary; and Adam Krzywoń, Deputy Ombudsman of the Republic of Poland. Each of them highlighted the fruitful cooperation shared among the Visegrad Four through regular summits and working meetings. In their addresses, they emphasised the vital role that ombuds institutions play in maintaining a balance between state authority and the protection of individual rights.

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