Ombudswoman Maria Stylianou-Lottides was elected as one of the directors of the European office of the International Ombudsman Institute (IOI) on Thursday.
Established in 1978, the IOI is the only global organisation for the cooperation of more than 200 independent Ombudsman institutions from more than 100 countries worldwide. Stylianou-Lottides is the only woman on the board of directors of the IOI European office.
According to a statement released by her office, over 90 people cast their vote for the election. It is also the first time a Cypriot commissioner has been elected to the board of the IOI European office.
“The election reflects the international recognition of the work carried out by the Commissioner in defending human rights in the Republic of Cyprus and promoting good governance,” the statement said.
Each IOI regional office aims, among other things, to promote regional participation in human rights activities and to ensure good governance in line with international laws and practices.
Furthermore, the IOI fosters collaboration with international organisations, development through conferences and training, exchange of best practices among members, practical support for ombudspeople and commissioners under threat or operating under adverse conditions.