To apply to the Ombudsperson for Child's Rights you need to fill in an application form.
Form
A model application form is available on the Ombudsperson’s website to help you better structure your application. A complaint can be lodged either by a person who believes that the rights of a child have been violated or the child herself/himself. The content requirements do not apply if the applicant is a child.
Language
The working language of the Ombudsperson is Lithuanian. This means that your application should be in Lithuanian. The official reply you will receive will be in Lithuanian.
Content
In your application you need to explain clearly:
- what has happened
- when it happened
- which state institutions or officials, or private persons or companies were involved – their names and positions
- what you request
- the list of documents you attach to the application
- the application needs to contain your name, signature, date and return address
Your application does not need to be in legally correct language or refer to any specific legal provisions, but it has to be clear and understandable. Try to write only about the facts and issues relating to the violation about which you are complaining. To help the Ombudsperson for Children Rights better understand what has happened, try to keep the text simple, focused and avoid emotional or derogatory language.
Documents
If you can, please add all the documents (for example, complaints you have made and the responses to them) that are related to the situation you are complaining about to your application.
Time limits
There is the time limit of one year from the violation had occurred for filing your complaint with the Ombudsperson for Child’ Rights. The complaints lodged after this term are not considered, unless the Ombudsperson decides otherwise.
Address
Applications must be sent to the following address:
Ombudsperson for Child’s Rights
Vaiko teisių apsaugos kontrolieriaus įstaiga
Plačioji g. 10
LT-01308 Vilnius
Lithuania
Legal aid
In Lithuania you are not entitled to free legal aid when applying to the Ombudsperson for Child’s Rights. If you are not sure if your human rights have been violated and whether the Ombudsperson for Child’s Rights can investigate your case, you can email (vtaki@vtaki.lt) or call the Ombudspersons's office before you make an application. If you need further legal aid to prepare your application, you will have to hire a lawyer yourself. Having a lawyer is not compulsory when applying to the Ombudsperson.