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 UN Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture emphasizes the obligation of states to ensure the independence and financial resources necessary for the effective operation of these mechanisms, which in the Czech Republic is the Public Defender of Rights

April 23, 2025 News

The UN Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture (SPT), which serves as a supporting body for national mechanisms for the prevention of ill-treatment of persons in facilities, has issued its annual report for 2024. Among other points, it emphasizes the obligation of states to ensure the independence and financial resources necessary for the effective operation of these mechanisms, which in the Czech Republic is the Public Defender of Rights.

The President of the Czech Republic confirmed the creation of the Children's Ombudsman with his signature

March 10, 2025 News

Almost a year has passed since the Government submitted a proposal to amend the Ombudsman Act to the Parliament. It has now been sealed with the President's signature. The law will enter into force on 1 July 2025. Thus, the institution of the Children's Ombudsman will be created on that date. Until the election of its representative, the duties will be carried out by the Deputy Ombudsman, Vít Alexander Schorm. The amendment also extends the ombudsman's mandate to include a so-called "National Human Rights Institution" whose aim is to protect and promote human rights in the Czech Republic.

Czech NPM contributes to global report on women in prison

January 13, 2025 News

The Public Defender of Rights as the National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) of Czechia has joined NPMs from 45 other countries to contribute to the development of a global report on women in prison, launched today by the Geneva-based Association for the Prevention of Torture.

This landmark report highlights significant challenges and systemic discrimination faced by women in prisons around the globe, calling for urgent reforms and greater use of alternatives to detention.

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