Addressing the UN ECE Regional Forum at the end of the works, at the session "CONNECTING THE DOTS: Moving Ahead Towards Empowerment, Inclusion and Equality in the Region", the Ombudsman, Erinda Ballanca said that she was bringing a message on behalf of human rights in this forum, noting the contribution of the National Human Rights Institutions in the context of the UN Global Objectives.

As a member of the board of the European Network of Human Rights Institutions, (ENNHRI) which groups 44 such institutions from among the Council of Europe countries, the People's Advocate of Albania has spoken of the ever-increasing need for the voice of these institutions to be heard louder by all.

"In the current context of shrinking democratic space in Europe, the bridge-building role of NHRIs between state authorities and civil society becomes of ever increasing importance" said the Albanian Ombudsperson Ballanca.

"ENNHRI calls upon all relevant state authorities to engage more closely with NHRIs in National SDG processes, consultations and stakeholder engagement plans, and to involve NHRIs in the preparation and follow-up of Voluntary National Reviews", said the People's Advocate.