Official site of the High Commissioner for the Protection of Rights, Liberties and for Mediation

International webinar on UN Resolution no. 75/186 on the role of Ombudsman and mediator institutions

Monaco’s High Commissioner took part in an international webinar held on 7 April, to discuss the recent adoption by the United Nations General Assembly of Resolution no. 75/186 on “the role of Ombudsman and mediator institutions in the promotion and protection of human rights, good governance and the rule of law”.

High Commissioner appears before Parliament

The High Commissioner appeared before the National Council on 7th of april, as part of the process of considering two bills: one on reforms to civil procedure (bill number 1.028) and one on promoting and protecting women’s rights by changing and repealing obsolete and unequal provisions (bill number 1.029).

High Commissioner issues advice to the Parliament

On 1st of april, the High Commissioner appeared before the National Council to present her opinion on bill number 1.027 introducing reforms to the provisions on the criminalisation of sexual assault.

First meeting between High Commissioner for the Protection of Rights and Supreme Court

The first meeting between the High Commissioner for the Protection of Rights and the Supreme Court, whose discussions will be institutionalised for the future to more effectively protect rights in the Principality.

Meeting with members of the Economic, Social and Environmental Council on presentation of High Commissioner’s 2017–2019 Report

The High Commissioner for the Protection of Rights was received at the Economic, Social and Environmental Council to discuss the recommendations set out in the most recent report on the High Commissioner’s activities.

COVID-19 vaccines

A resolution issued by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe highlights the ethical, legal and practical aspects of vaccination roll-out.

Meeting with Monaco’s chartered accountants

High Commissioner attends morning meeting of the Council of the Order of Chartered Accountants in Monaco, at the invitation of President Stéphane Garino and Ms Vanessa Tubino.

High Commissioner presents 2017–2019 Report to Parliament

Anne Eastwood had the pleasure of being received by President Stéphane Valeri and members of the National Council to present the report on the activities of the Office of the High Commissioner for 2017–2019.

Mandatory face masks : the use of inclusive transparent options

The Office of the High Commissioner has contacted the Government about giving more consideration to the communications difficulties encountered by children and the deaf and hard of hearing as the wearing of face masks has become widespread.

High Commissioner releases public report for 2017–2019

The Office of the High Commissioner for the Protection of Rights, Liberties and for Mediation has published its 2017–2019 report.

High Commissioner meets Archbishop of Monaco

The High Commissioner was received by Monseigneur David for an initial working meeting after the latter was ordained as the new Archbishop of Monaco in spring this year.

High Commissioner takes part in ECRI’s 2020 seminar

The Office of the High Commissioner took part in the annual seminar organised by the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance, aimed at organisations promoting equality in the 47 member states of the Council of Europe, on 28 and 29 September.

Meeting with the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT)

The High Commissioner met a delegation of experts from the Council of Europe as part of a series of meetings being held by the Committee with national authorities and other stakeholders to assess detention conditions in places where people are deprived of their liberty.

Exceptional new measures adopted as part of COVID-19 pandemic response: company operations and contract enforcement

New legislative provisions entered into force on 15 May 2020 to counter the harmful effects of the health crisis on people and businesses.

Abolition of annual supplementary fees for authorised activities carried out at home in a state-owned dwelling

The Government recently announced that it would not collect the annual supplementary fee charged to tenants of state-owned dwellings who are authorised to carry out a professional activity from their home in 2020, in advance of the forthcoming abolition of this fee.

Exceptional extension of residence permit validity periods

Residence permits set to expire between 18 March and 18 June 2020 will have their validity period extended to 18 July 2020 to give citizens time to complete the necessary procedures to renew their permits and enable the Police Department to review applications.

Court deadlines suspended during COVID-19 pandemic

As an extension of the existing measure to suspend appeal and procedural deadlines before the Supreme Court, procedural deadlines have now been suspended for all courts in the Principality and for all types of case (excluding criminal cases).

Administrative deadlines suspended during COVID-19 pandemic

To ensure that there is no detrimental impact on the relationship between public services and their users as a result of the health crisis, the authorities took the decision to temporarily suspend the administrative deadlines for individuals to complete some procedures, as well as those imposed on government departments for responding to certain requests.

New procedure for registering certain new or used vehicles

On 25 February 2020, the Principality reached an agreement with France that officially entrusts the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Regional Directorate for the Environment, Development and Housing (DREAL PACA) with carrying out, on behalf of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Office, approvals for single vehicles that are to be registered in Monaco.

High Commissioner honoured by Femmes Leaders Mondiales Monaco

On International Women’s Day 2020, Anne Eastwood was awarded the FLMM Prize for her role as the High Commissioner for the Protection of Rights, Liberties and for Mediation by the Femme Leaders Mondiales Monaco association, which undertakes numerous initiatives to promote the position of women in society.

Publication of the High Commissioner’s opinion on the draft bill overhauling the status of the State’s civil servants

The National Council has published the official opinion issued by the High Commissioner on draft bill n° 895 overhauling the status of the State’s civil servants.

Creation of a family benefits scheme for CAMTI-affiliated self-employed workers: High Commissioner delivers opinion to National Council

Having been consulted by the National Council, the High Commissioner recently delivered an opinion on bill no. 998, which seeks to introduce a family benefits scheme for self-employed workers and is currently being considered by the Committee on Women’s Rights and the Family.

High Commissioner takes part in Mediterranean ombudsman network conference on Venice Principles

Anne Eastwood visited Nicosia (Cyprus) on 9 and 10 December 2019 to take part in a conference organised by the Association of Mediterranean Ombudsmen on “The Venice Principles as a means of strengthening ombudsman institutions”.

High Commissioner meets new Secretary of Justice

First working meeting at the invitation of Robert Gelli following his appointment as the new Secretary of Justice and President of the Council of State.

International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

#ViolencesFemmesJagis - Phone number 24h/24h : 0800 91 90 10

High Commissioner takes part in joint AOMF and APF conference to mark 30th anniversary of UN Convention on the Rights of the Child

On 23 and 24 October 2019, the High Commissioner took part in a joint conference held by the Association of Ombudsmen and Mediators of La Francophonie and the Parliamentary Assembly of La Francophonie in Rabat (Morocco) to mark the thirtieth anniversary of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. The theme for the conference was: “Children’s Rights: A Priority for Parliamentarians and Mediators from La Francophonie”.

High Commissioner participates in High-Level Conference to mark ECRI’s 25th anniversary

To mark the 25th anniversary of the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI), Anne Eastwod took part to the High-Level Conference organised under the French Chairmanship of the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers on 26 and 27 September. The theme for the conference was “On the road to effective equality – New responses to racism and intolerance needed ?”

Decriminalising abortion for pregnant women: High Commissioner delivers opinion to National Council

The High Commissioner was consulted by the President of the National Council regarding the bill on decriminalising abortion for pregnant women.The High Commissioner delivered her opinion on the bill on 25 September 2019, and it has been published on the National Council’s website.

High Commissioner takes part in launch of SheCanHeCan’s Equality Pledge campaign

The High Commissioner took part in the official launch of the Equality Pledge campaign on 18 September.

Cohabitation contracts : High Commissioner delivers opinion to National Council

Having been consulted by the President Stéphane Valeri on the bill relating to cohabitation contracts, the High Commissioner set out her comments on 7 March 2019, available on the National Council's website (under Texts & Laws - Current Bills).

Office of the High Commissioner joins #8MarsMonaco campaign

To mark International Women’s Day on 8 March, the High Commissioner and her team are joining the #8MarsMonaco (#8MarchMonaco) campaign organised by the Prince’s Government.

Chief Country Officer for Quality of Life and Relations with Public Service Users pays courtesy visit

The visit provided an opportunity for Anne Eastwood and Albert Croesi to discuss the inherent synergies between their respective mandates to assist users and improve the Government’s responsiveness to citizens’ daily concerns.

Association of Ombudsmen and Mediators holds strategic planning meeting

On 4 February, the Monegasque High Commissioner Anne Eastwood visited her French counterpart, the Defender of Rights, in Paris to take part in a closed meeting to develop a five-year strategic plan for the Association des Ombudsmans et Médiateurs de la Francophonie.

Anne Eastwood confirmed as High Commissioner for the Protection of Rights, Liberties and for Mediation for another four-year term

In accordance with Sovereign Ordinance dated 22 January 2019 and published in the Journal de Monaco on 1 February 2019, Anne Eastwood’s term as the High Commissioner for the Protection of Rights, Liberties and for Mediation has been renewed for four years.

Delegation from Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA) pays visit to High Commissioner

As part of the initial evaluation of Monaco’s implementation of the Warsaw Convention, ratified in 2015, a GRETA delegation visited the Office of the High Commissioner on Monday 28 January 2019.

Working meeting with Chief Officer for Women’s Rights

On 16 January 2019, the High Commissioner and her team were delighted to welcome Ms Céline Cottalorda to the office for a working meeting. The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss important issues relating to violence and discrimination against women in the Principality, particularly in light of the complaints that have been submitted to the Office of the High Commissioner over the last five years.

Installation of the Committee for the Promotion and Protection of Women’s Rights

Created on 25 October 2018, its mission is to coordinate, implement and evaluate national policies taken to promote equality between women and men and to fight against violence and discrimination against them.

International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

The Principality takes part in the international day for the elimination of violences against women.

Monegasque High Commissioner elected to AOMF Executive Board

The 10th Conference of the Association of Ombudsmen and Mediators of La Francophonie was held from 6 to 9 November 2018. Over the four days, independent mediation and human rights institutions from 37 French-speaking countries met first in Brussels and then in Namur. Monaco, through the Monegasque High Commissioner for the Protection of Rights, joined the AOMF Executive Board during the Conference.

Working meeting at National Council on current legislative developments

Overview of current legislative developments and discussion of the broad outlines of bills submitted to the assembly for consideration, in light of the priorities of the new parliamentary majority and the High Commissioner’s recommendations and ongoing deliberations (7 September 2018).

Rights of the Child - High-Level Symposium - 25 June 2018

The High Commissioner has taken part in a High-Level Symposium on the theme “Violence against Children in the Context of the Family and School”. The programme covered not just maltreatment, but also “ordinary educational violence”, referring to the physical or psychological abuse commonly inflicted on children for disciplinary reasons or as punishment.

High Commissioner takes part in 10th AOM Conference in Skopje (Macedonia)

The High Commissioner took part in the 10th Association of Mediterranean Ombudsmen (AOM) Conference in Skopje on 30 and 31 May 2018. The focus of the meeting was “The ombudsman as the protector of social, cultural and environmental rights.”

High Commissioner takes part in ECRI’s 2018 seminar

The Office of the High Commissioner for the Protection of Rights, Liberties and for Mediation took part to the seminar organised by the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance of the Council of Europe, aimed at national bodies which specialise in combatting discrimination.

Celebrating 20 years in service of democracy

The Association of Ombudsmen and Mediators of La Francophonie is celebrating its twentieth anniversary.

Symposium with Italian lawyers in the province of Imperia

At the invitation of Mr Maurizio Foglino, President of the Associazione Nazionale Forense of San Remo, the High Commissioner gave a presentation of the Office of the High Commissioner for the Protection of Rights, Liberties and for Mediation to a large audience of lawyers in the formal surroundings of San Remo Town Hall on 20 April 2018.

Code of ethics for mediators and ombudsmen

Finalisation of a guide to conduct and ethics for mediators and ombudsmen in French-speaking countries and regions, which will be presented for adoption by all members at the next AOMF Congress.

Meeting for Ombudsmen and Mediators of Europe and North America

Meeting for public and independent mediation institutions in Europe and the Americas organised by the Association of Ombudsmen and Mediators of La Francophonie (AOMF)

International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

The Principality takes part in the international day for the elimination of violences against women.

Developing peer support to better steer patients with mental health issues towards recovery

Conference led by Luc Vigneault, a peer supporter from Quebec, at the invitation of D’AMORE PSY, 25 September 2017.

A Meeting with the JamaisSansElles Association

The High Commissioner received Tatiana F.-Salomon, President of the French association JamaisSansElles ("Never without Women") and Natacha Quester-Séméon, spokesperson, on the occasion of their stay in the Principality, for an informal discussion on the many initiatives taken by this movement to promote women's participation in decision-making processes.

Minister of Health and Social Affairs pays courtesy visit to Office of High Commissioner

The High Commissioner’s team today had the pleasure of a visit from Mr Didier Gamerdinger, as a follow-on to taking up his duties as Minister of Health and Social Affairs.

Meeting with the Economic and Social Council

As part of her dialogue with civil society, Anne Eastwood visited the Economic and Social Council on 7 June at the invitation of the Council’s Chairman, Mr André Garino.

The Office of the High Commissioner Takes Part in ECRI's 2017 Seminar

The Office of the High Commissioner took part on 23 and 24 May, alongside her counterparts of the 47 member States of the Council of Europe, to the annual seminar of the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance devoted this year to considering a draft revised version of ECRI's General Policy Recommendation No. 2, on specialised bodies to combat racism, xenophobia, anti-semitism and intolerance at the national level.

Visit by Council of Europe Congress of Local and Regional Authorities

As part of the monitoring of the implementation of the European Charter of Local Self-Government, ratified by Monaco in 2013, the High Commissioner met with a delegation from the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe on 17 May 2017.

High Commissioner appears before National Council

On 16 May 2017, the High Commissioner appeared before the National Council’s Legislation Committee as part of the review of the Bill on harassment and violence at work.

AOMF seminar in Rabat (Morocco)

On the margins of a meeting of the governing bodies of the Association of Mediators and Ombudsmen of La Francophonie (AOMF) held from 3 to 5 May 2017 in Rabat, the High Commissioner, participated alongside her counterparts in a seminar to share experience of best practices in ethics.

Publication of the second annual report of the High Commissioner : interview of Anne Eastwood

Broadcast about the publication of the second annual report of the High Commissioner.

Publication of second public report on the activities of the High Commissioner

The High Commissioner for the Protection of Rights, Liberties and for Mediation has published the second annual report on the office’s activities, submitted to H.S.H. Prince Albert II in accordance with Article 45 of Sovereign Ordinance No. 4.524 of 30 October 2013.

Interview with Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights

The Commissioner for Human Rights, Mr Niels Muižnieks, a key player in the dialogue between the Council of Europe and national ombudsmen and mediators, began his visit to the Principality by meeting the Monegasque High Commissioner at her office on 18 January.

High Commissioner receives visit from GREVIO

As part of monitoring of the Principality of Monaco’s implementation of the Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence, a delegation from the Group of Experts on Action against Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (GREVIO) visited the High Commissioner.

Conference on the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

On the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, the High Commissioner presented the legal arsenal existing in Monaco to fight against violence against women.

International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

The Principality of Monaco is taking part in the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

GRECO visits High Commissioner

As part of the 4th Evaluation Round by the Council of Europe’s Group of States against Corruption (GRECO), a delegation of the group’s evaluators visited the Principality from 21 to 25 November 2016.

Meeting with Secretary General of the Council of Europe

The High Commissioner met October 27, 2016, Mr. Thorbjon Jagland, Secretary General of the Council of Europe, on the occasion of his first official visit to the Principality.

Report on the meeting of Ombudsmen and Mediators of the Francophonie

Report broadcast on the occasion of the meeting of the governing bodies of the Association of Ombudsmen and Mediators of the Francophonie (AOMF) and the AOMF seminar in the Principality - 19, 20 and October 21, 2016

Meeting of Mediators and Ombudsmen from La Francophonie – Monaco, 19–21 October 2016

At the invitation of the High Commissioner for the Protection of Rights, Liberties and for Mediation, who joined the network in October 2015, from 19 to 21 October 2016 the Principality hosted a meeting of the governance bodies of the Association des Ombudsmans et Médiateurs de la Francophonie (AOMF, Association of Mediators and Ombudsmen of La Francophonie) and an expanded seminar for the organisation.

High Commissioner undertakes study visit to Luxembourg

As part of a process of sharing best practices with her peers, the High Commissioner travelled to Luxembourg for a study visit on 7 and 8 July. The visit was undertaken at the invitation of Ms Lydie Err, Mediator of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, and Mr René Schlechter, Chair of the Ombuds-Committee for the Rights of the Child (ORK).

High Commissioner participates in ECRI’s 2016 seminar

For the third time since the role was established, the High Commissioner for the Protection of Rights, Liberties and for Mediation took part in the annual seminar of the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI).

H.E. Minister of State Serge TELLE pays official visit to High Commissioner

H.E. the Minister of State Mr Serge TELLE paid a visit to the High Commissioner for the Protection of Rights, Liberties and for Mediation on 7 April.

The High Commissioner Joins the AOM

The High Commissioner of the Protection of Rights, Liberties and for Mediation took part in the ninth meeting of the Association of Mediterranean Ombudsmen (AOM) on 9 and 10 March 2016.

Speech by the High Commissioner at the Rotary Club of Monaco

As part of ongoing dialogue with civil society, the High Commissioner, Anne Eastwood, gave a speech at the Rotary Club of Monaco on 2 February 2016.

Information leaflet for people with disabilities

This year, the Department of Health and Social Affairs organised the 4th Monegasque Meeting on Disability, with the theme "The Law on Disability, One Year On". To mark the occasion, the High Commissioner and the Prince's Government have come together to publish a leaflet, designed to inform people with disabilities about their rights and how to exercise them.

The High Commissioner holds meetings with the Monegasque National Council and Economic and Social Council

On 1 October 2015 and 3 November 2015, the High Commissioner met members of the Economic and Social Council and the National Council.

The High Commissioner attends the ninth conference of the Association of Ombudsmen and Mediators of La Francophonie (AOMF)

The AOMF conference, held in Québec from 13 to 15 October 2015, brought together member Ombudsmen and Mediators from 34 French-speaking countries.

Round-table discussion with Monegasque associations

On Thursday 8 October 2015, around 20 Monegasque associations working on social and humanitarian issues attended a round-table discussion, at the invitation of the High Commissioner.

Visit of the High Commissioner to the Defender of Rights Jacques TOUBON

Anne Eastwood flew to Paris on 28 September 2015 to meet with her French counterpart, Jacques Toubon, as part of an amicable visit meant at building stronger links between the French and Monegasque human rights institutions.

The High Commissioner publishes its first annual report

July 9, 2015 : the High Commissioner for the Protection of Rights, Liberties and for Mediation is publishing its very first annual activity report.

Publication of the first annual report of the High Commissioner : interview of Anne Eastwood

Broadcast about the publication of the first annual report of the High Commissioner.

Study Visit to the Belgian mediation authorities

As part of an exchange of good practices with hers peers, the High Commissioner travelled to Brussels from June 24th to June 26th on a study visit to the Belgian mediation authorities, at the invitation of Mr. Marc Bertrand, Ombudsman for Wallonia and the Wallonia-Brussels Federation.

The High Commissioner attends the 2015 annual Seminar of ECRI

For the second time, the High Commissioner for the Protection of Rights, Liberties and for Mediation took part in the annual Seminar of the Council of Europe’s Anti-Racism Commission

Broadcast on the occasion of the Inauguration of the Office of the High Commissioner

Broadcast on the occasion of the inauguration by H.S.H. Prince Albert II of the Office of the High Commissioner for the Protection of Rights, Liberties and for Mediation, on 18 March 2015.

Official inauguration, by H.S.H. Prince Albert II, of the Office of the Monegasque High Commissioner

On 15 March 2015, H.S.H. Prince Albert II officially inaugurated the Office of the Monegasque High Commissioner for the Protection of Rights, Liberties and for Mediation on the occasion of the institution’s installation in its new premises located at Bloc A, Les Jardins d’Apolline, in Monaco's La Condamine district.

International Disability Day 2014 : interview of Anne Eastwood

On the occasion of the International Disability Day 2014, interview of High Commissioner.

Shared commitment to dialogue with Data Protection Authority

Following the appointment of new members of the Data Protection Authority of Monaco (CCIN), a meeting took place between the High Commissioner and the President and Vice-President of the CCIN

Celebrations to mark the 10th anniversary of Monaco's membership of the Council of Europe

On 6 and 7 October 2014, the High Commissioner and her Deputy, Cécile Vacarie-Bernard, attended celebrations in Strasbourg to mark the 10th anniversary of Monaco's membership of the Council of Europe, at the invitation of the Monegasque Government.

Meeting with senior representatives of Monaco's various religious communities

As part of her civil society consultation process, Anne Eastwood decided to use the first few months following her appointment to meet with representatives of Monaco's various religious communities.

First visit of the Monegasque High Commissioner to Strasbourg

On 22 and 23 May 2014, Anne Eastwood travelled to Strasbourg for her first formal engagement as High Commissioner for the Protection of Rights, Liberties and for Mediation, attending an international seminar at the Council of Europe.

Visit of the High Commissioner to Monaco City Hall

During a series of meetings with Monegasque institutions, the High Commissioner, Anne Eastwood, met with Mr Georges Marsan, Mayor of Monaco, on 26 April 2014.

Formal visit of the High Commissioner to the National Council

On 24 April 2014, the High Commissioner attended a formal meeting with the President of the National Council, M. Laurent Nouvion

Patients’ Rights Day : interview of Anne Eastwood

On the occasion of the Patients’ Rights Day celebrated at the Princess Grace of Monaco Hospital, interview of the High Commissioner

Formal visit to the Secretary of Justice and Heads of Courts and Tribunals

During a series of formal meetings with Monegasque institutions following her recent appointment, Anne Eastwood met with the Principality's Heads of Courts and Tribunals

Meeting between the High Commissioner and His Excellency the Minister of State

Following her appointment as Monaco's first High Commissioner on 19 March, Anne Eastwood was invited to attend a meeting with His Excellency the Minister of State. The meeting was intended to signal the government's desire to work closely with the High Commissioner and support her in her role.

Anne Eastwood appointed as Monaco's first "Ombudsman"

H.S.H. Prince Albert II recently appointed Anne Eastwood, 38, as Monaco's High Commissioner for the Protection of Rights, Liberties and for Mediation for a term of four years.

Protecting citizens' rights

Combating discrimination

Principles and Values

Questions
Answers

General information

Jurisdiction

Procedure

Discrimination

Jurisdiction

Protecting citizens' rights

Combating discrimination

Principles and Values

Questions Answers

General information

Jurisdiction

Procedure

Discrimination

Jurisdiction

Questions
Answers