On 24 October 2025, the traditional 12th international scientific–practical constitutional law conference “The Role of Independent Oversight Institutions in the Constitutional System”, dedicated to mark the Day of the Constitution of the Republic of Lithuania, will take place in the Parliament of the Republic of Lithuania. This year’s conference will commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Office of the Seimas Ombudspersons, established under Article 73(1) of the Constitution.
Independent institutions that defend human rights, first and foremost, ombudsman institutions, are of particular importance in maintaining the balance of constitutional democracy. In times of shifting political priorities, when state power tends to serve majority or institutional interests, ombudsmen stand as protectors of citizens’ rights. They remind public authorities that their true mission is to serve the people, not the other way around. They ensure that justice is reflected not only in law but also in practice, safeguarding individuals whose rights may otherwise be overlooked or violated amid systemic changes.
“As the Constitution entrusts them, it is precisely the Parliamentary Ombudspersons, the very firsts to be established under the Constitution, who must speak out boldly and impartially against cases of inaction or misconduct by public authorities or officials, whenever these institutions forget that their true purpose is to serve the people,” notes Professor Toma Birmontienė, one of the conference organizers.
Independent oversight institutions do not have the power to adopt binding decisions. Instead, they rely on instruments that can be described as a form of soft constitutionalism, grounded in independence, credibility, and continuous engagement. Through recommendations, public reports, investigations, and dialogue, they strengthen transparency, promote good governance, prevent injustice, and thus contribute to the long-term resilience of democracy.
The conference will examine the origins, nature, and purpose of ombudsman institutions, and their contribution to more constructive and effective functioning of state and municipal authorities in improving the protection of human rights. In addition to the general competence of the Parliamentary Ombudspersons, Lithuania has gradually established specialized oversight institutions supervising specific fields, such as equal opportunities, children’s rights, and intelligence activities. Presentations will assess the strengths and weaknesses of different oversight models, address their cooperation, achievements, and the challenges they face in carrying out their functions, including the limits of their mandates, risks of fragmentation, marginalization, or instrumentalization. The discussions will provide an opportunity to share Lithuanian and international experiences, identify systemic challenges, foster multidimensional dialogue, and seek ways to strengthen human rights protection and democratic oversight mechanisms.
The conference is organized by the Institute of Public Law at Mykolas Romeris University Law School, in cooperation with the Constitutional Court, the Committee on Legal Affairs of the Parliament, the Lithuanian Bar Association, and the Office of the Parliamentary Ombudspersons.
The conference is open to legal scholars, practicing lawyers, students, NGO representatives, and all those interested in human rights protection.
Conference details:
Date: 24th of October, 2025
Time: 9.00 am
Program of the event here.
Registration is required for participation. Registration is open until 21 October 2025.
The event is partly funded by the Research Council of Lithuania under the activity line “Dissemination of Research Results through Events” (application No. P-MOR-25-24).