Dunja Mijatović (Bosnia and Herzegovina) was Commissioner for Human Rights from 1st April 2018 to 31 March 2024. As Commissioner, she has focused her thematic work on a range of human rights issues, including freedom of expression, safety of journalists, the protection of human rights defenders, the rights of migrants and refugees, and combating discrimination and hate speech. She has also worked to address the challenges faced by women, children, and vulnerable groups, particularly those affected by conflict and displacement, and on the human rights consequences of Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Prior to her appointment as Commissioner, she was the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media (2010-2017), Director of Broadcasting at the Communications Regulatory Agency of Bosnia and Herzegovina (2001-2010), Chair of the European Platform of Regulatory Agencies (2007-2010) and of the Council of Europe's Group of Experts on Freedom of Expression and Information in Times of Crisis (2005-2007).
Nils Muižnieks (Latvia) was Commissioner for Human Rights from 1 April 2012 to 31 March 2018. He consolidated the work and visibility of the institution, by visiting all member states, publishing numerous reports, thematic papers and opinion editorials. His mandate has been characterised mainly by the extensive work carried out in Ukraine and Turkey, as well as his work in the field of migration, counter-terrorism and on women’s rights. He also consistently promoted the protection of Roma, LGBTI people, children and persons with disabilities, as well as of freedom of expression. In addition, he significantly developed the social media presence of the office.
Previously, he was Director of the Advanced Social and Political Research Institute at the Faculty of Social Sciences of the University of Latvia in Riga (2005-2012); Chairman of the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (2010-2012); Latvian minister responsible for social integration, anti-discrimination, minority rights, and civil society development (2002-2004); and Director of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies (1994-2002).
Thomas Hammarberg (Sweden) was Commissioner for Human Rights from 1 April 2006 to 31 March 2012. He further developed the system of country visits and dialogue with national authorities, focusing on effective implementation of human rights standards. He raised the profile and visibility of the institution and strengthened its impact. Some of the highlights of his mandate include his humanitarian work following the 2008 conflict in Georgia, the defence of human rights of Roma and migrants, and raising awareness about the human rights of LGBT people.
Prior to his appointment as Commissioner, he was Secretary General of the Stockholm-based Olof Palme International Center (2002-2005), Ambassador of the Swedish Government on Humanitarian Affairs (1994-2002), Secretary General of "Save the Children" Sweden (1986-1992), and Secretary General of the London-based Amnesty International (1980-1986).
Álvaro Gil-Robles (Spain) was the first Commissioner for Human Rights, holding office from 15 October 1999 to 31 March 2006. He shaped the profile of the Office and its role within the European human rights system, establishing international credibility for the institution. His most noteworthy actions included his engagement in the protection of human rights in the aftermath of the second Chechen conflict, advocacy for improving prison conditions, promotion of minority rights and support to national human rights actors, such as Ombudsmen, other national institutions and non-governmental organisations.
Previously, Mr Gil-Robles was Ombudsman of Spain (1988-1993), lawyer for the Constitutional Court of Spain (1980-1983) and Professor at the Complutense University of Madrid (1978-1980).
