The Senate Endorses Monika Horny-Cieślak as Children’s Ombudsman
The Senate approved the appointment of Monika Horny-Cieślak as the national ombudsman for children’s rights. Her five-year term will commence when she takes the oath at the Sejm chamber.
Hours earlier, Horny-Cieślak had been elected as the Children’s Ombudsman by the Sejm. Before taking office, the Senate also needed to authorize the appointment. In the voting session, 66 senators voted in favor, 15 opposed, and 13 abstained.
“The Voice of the Young”
In her address, Horny-Cieślak expressed a clear aim for the Office of the Ombudsman for Children to embody the authentic voice of youth. She emphasized that every child matters, values are universal, and every youngster has potential. She also stressed that the office should avoid demeaning or segregating any child, insisting that all young people possess equal worth.
The discussion leading to the vote included remarks about what the role should stand for in practice. Members highlighted the importance of a responsive, non-judgmental approach to children’s rights and the need for robust advocacy that reflects diverse experiences among young people.
During the debate, KO Senator Ewa Matecka commented on the broader implications of the appointment.
Several speakers noted that restoring confidence in public institutions after a long period of rule by a single party is essential for a healthy democratic culture and for the dignity of offices that serve the public interest.
Jerzy Wcisła (KO) highlighted Horny-Cieślak’s work with the Parliamentary Team for Youth, describing how concerns raised by young people were analyzed and addressed, rather than dismissed with evasive responses.
He underscored that recognizing the varied perspectives on children’s rights is crucial and that actions should be tailored accordingly.
Adam Bodnar (KO) echoed the need to acknowledge different viewpoints within the youth community when shaping policy and rights protections.
Left-Centered Perspectives
Anna Górska, representing the Left, noted that numerous non-governmental organizations had reached out in support of Horny-Cieślak. She pointed out that in more distant districts from the capital, children often face even greater barriers to having their voices heard.
Górska also remarked that Horny-Cieślak’s professional and social work has earned recognition across legal and media communities.
Senator Jacek Trela (Trzecia Droga) emphasized the candidate’s public-facing contributions and the broad respect she has cultivated in related circles.
The chamber approved Horny-Cieślak’s nomination. Ninety-four senators took part in the vote, with 66 in favor, 15 against, and 13 abstaining.
Horny-Cieślak was the sole candidate put forward by a coalition of groups including KO, Links, PSL-TD, and Polska 2050 – TD.
She is described as a lawyer, activist, and advocate for children’s rights. Since her late teens she has worked to shield young people from different forms of violence and has provided legal help to those in need. Her efforts extend to legislation, training, and coordinating educational initiatives for youth.
Her career includes leading social campaigns, promoting a child-friendly justice system, and offering direct guidance to clients of the Children’s Aid Center through a partnership with the Empowering Children Foundation. She serves on the Human Rights Committee of the Supreme Bar Council, chairs the Children’s Rights Department, and participates in the Warsaw District Bar Council’s Cooperation with Courts Commission. She is also associated with the Council of Europe’s HELP program.
Horny-Cieślak has contributed to draft laws related to children’s rights, including amendments to the Law on the Protection of Minors and measures expanding access to psychological support for minors with the consent of guardians in certain circumstances, developed in collaboration with young people themselves.
The tenure of the current spokesperson, Mikołaj Pawlak, ends on December 14. In line with regulations, the outgoing ombudsman will continue to perform duties until the new ombudsman takes the oath.
Source: wPolityce (attribution noted in coverage)