The Public Defender of Rights in the Czech Republic acts to defend persons against the conduct of authorities and other institutions exercising state administration.

The Public Defender of Rights handles complaints and gives basic legal advice in cases which do not fall within its mandate. The Defender may conduct independent inquiries but he cannot substitute for the activities of state administrative authorities and he cannot cancel or alter their decisions. However, when a shortcoming is ascertained, the Defender may request that authorities or institutions ensure remedy.

Since 2006, the Defender has been monitoring compliance with the rights of persons restricted in their freedom. Systematic preventive visits are performed by the Defender, to facilities where persons are or may be confined because of a decision or an order of a public authority (e.g. a court) or depending on the care provided (particularly based on age, health condition, social circumstances, etc.). The Defender has further received the mandate to monitor activities relating to forced returns, NPM, equality bodies and the Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

The Defender may also write legislative recommendations, issue reports and publications and provide guidance to public officers.

Head of institution

Stanislav Křeček

Website

www.ochrance.cz

Address

Brno, Údolní 39, PSČ 602 00

Year of establishment

2000

Accreditation status

Not accredited

Year of first accreditation

NA

Year of latest accreditation

NA

Number of staff

160

Regional offices

NA

Mandate(s)

  • Ombuds
  • Equality Body
  • National Preventive Mechanism under OPCAT Art. 3 (NPM)
  • Monitoring body under CRPD Art 33(2)
  • Forced Return Monitoring Body under Return Directive Art. 8(6)
  • Protection of the right to free movement of the EU citizens and their family members

Core functions

  • Monitoring
  • Publishing research, recommendations, opinions
  • Complaints handling
  • Legal assistance
  • Advising government, parliament and other public bodies