With great grief we have received the news that Mr. Jurica Malčić, ex Ombudsman, has passed away on Monday in Zagreb in the age of 76.

As a man with extensive knowledge and experience serving the most responsible duties, he demonstrated humanity, leadership and professionalism.

 

Mr. Malčić was Ombudsman from 2004 until 2013. While bearing this duty he spoke about numerous societal problems and anomalies which are still burdening the citizens like enforcements, growing poverty, politicization of administration and discrimination.

During his mandate the Ombudsman institution was significantly strengthened. In 2008 the institution was granted A status according to the UN Paris Principles confirming its highest level of independence as an NHRI. The same year,  the Anti-Discrimination Act was adopted, whereby the Ombudsman institution became the national equality body. Further extension of the mandate happened in 2012 when the institution started functioning as a national preventive mechanism against torture.

Great number of our present Office staff was working in the time of his mandate; remembering him as a warm-hearted person, great expert and devoted official, straightforward to a dialogue and professional discussion or simply for a humanly aid.

Jurica Malčić was born in 1942 in Zagreb, where in 1972 he graduated at the Faculty of Law. Before taking office of the Ombudsman he was a judge of the Constitutional Court (from 1994 until 2002) and it’s Vice- President (from 1998 until 2001). Earlier he served numerous duties, amongst other as a Minister of Administration, Deputy Minister of Judiciary and Administration of the Republic of Croatia as well as a Secretary of the Government of the Republic of Croatia.