With this new issue of “Political Thought”, several of the region`s Ombudsmen present their view on the system of Human Rights and Minority Rights protection in their individual countries. Additional contributions from regional experts and decision-makers, including from Germany, point out the challenges and perspectives of protecting these rights on the background of the European integration process. Aside from highlighting similarities and common challenges, this issue underlines the continuing importance of a public debate on how to continue the promotion of the Universal declaration of Human Rights in the 21st century.