The Ombudsman of the Republic of Bulgaria was re-accredited with A-status in March 2019. Among its recommendations, the SCA took the view that the selection process outlined in the enabling law would be strengthened by explicitly requiring the advertisement of vacancies, and by describing how a broad consultation and participation of civil society is to be achieved. The SCA encouraged the Bulgarian National Human Rights Institution (NHRI) to advocate for the formalisation and application of a broad and transparent process. 

The Bulgarian NHRI also reported that, while its budget had improved, it would benefit from additional funding to carry out its functions (including as a National Preventive Mechanism - NPM and the National Monitoring Mechanism - NMM), to establish regional offices and to ensure that its communications are accessible to all. The SCA encouraged the NHRI to continue to advocate for the funding necessary to ensure it can effectively carry out the full extent of its mandate. 

Finally, the Bulgarian NHRI reported that there had been inadequate responses by state authorities, including relating to the NHRI’s recommendations on the issue of domestic violence and the ratification of the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence. The SCA encouraged the Bulgarian NHRI to continue to conduct follow-up activities to monitor the extent to which their recommendations have been implemented. 

The SCA will consider the reaccreditation of the Bulgarian NHRI in its second session of 2025.

The term of the previous ombudsperson ended in April 2024. During much of 2024, the  institution was working in absence of a head of institution. In April 2025, the selection and appointment process are still ongoing at the National Assembly, with a new Ombudsperson expected to be appointed in mid-April.