Through the network of ombudsmen and alongside various agencies such as the Council of Europe, the Mediator of the French Republic operates at several levels and extends his scope.
Mediation, which is a measure of balance in a democracy, occupies a special place in the fight for individual rights and civil liberties.
Indeed, the initial function of the Ombudsman of the Republic - the treatment of individual disputes and litigation between a citizen and an administration - has gradually grafted active commitment to the defense of human rights worldwide. A logical evolution, insofar as the institution has a position of privileged observer. The recurrence of certain situations or malfunctions of iniquity may indicate that there is a potential violation of human rights.
The Mediator of the Republic profiles himself nationally and internationally to contribute to the promotion, protection and defense of human rights. He is ex officio member of the National Consultative Commission of Human Rights, whose mandate is to make recommendations to government on bills that all or part of text that has implications on human rights.
The Ombudsman of the Republic is also involved actively in the various organs of the Council of Europe whether in collaboration with the Commissioner for Human Rights or the Committee of Ministers, decision-making body of the Council.
