The European Union has pointed to the unacceptability of external pressure on the Office of the Verkhovna Rada Commissioner for Human Rights, and also noted that they will watch closely the process of selecting a new ombudsperson.

The EU will closely monitor the selection process for the new Verkhovna Rada Commissioner for Human Rights, as well as for the activities of the office after the election, the press service of the EU Delegation in Ukraine quoted its head Hugh Mingarelli as saying.

According to Mingarelli, any external pressure on the ombudsperson's office is unacceptable.

Independence, professionalism and integrity are those features that should be inherent in the leadership of this office, its employees and define their activities, the ambassador added.

He also recalled Ukraine's obligations under the Association Agreement concerning the protection of personal data and combating discrimination.

The term of office of the current ombudsperson, Valeria Lutkovska, expired on April 27, 2017.