Guardianship reform left important gaps
The commissioner welcomed a government working group involving civil society, but said the 2022 legal reform retained guardianship alongside support mechanisms. She shared concerns raised by the Centre for Legal Resources about insufficient professional training, fragmented information and obstacles to reviewing existing guardianship arrangements. [2]
Monitoring should reach people in institutions
The communications called for NGOs to have access to institutions and for residents to obtain independent representation. Mijatović also stressed reporting and investigation of abuse and deaths. These demands concerned the practical ability to challenge treatment and decisions, including when a person has no relative able to provide support. [2][1]
Community services need resources
Mijatović acknowledged Romania’s deinstitutionalisation strategy and legislation, while describing continuing problems with psychiatric detention and judicial safeguards. She urged health care based on free and informed consent and services supporting life outside institutions. Her assessment linked the lack of community support to prolonged stays in psychiatric establishments. [3]