Array ( [0] => {{short description|Official representing the interests of the public}} [1] => {{About||the TV series|Ombudsman (TV series){{!}}''Ombudsman'' (TV series)|the Wikimedia Ombuds|m:Ombuds commission|and|selfref=y}} [2] => [3] => {{Use dmy dates|date=September 2023}} [4] => [[File:Ombudsman sign.jpg|300px|thumb|right|Sign in [[Banjul]], capital of [[The Gambia]], giving directions to the ombudsman's office]] [5] => [6] => An '''ombudsman''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|ɒ|m|b|ʊ|d|z|m|ən}} {{respell|OM|buudz|mən}}, also {{IPAc-en|US|-|b|ə|d|z|-|,_|-|b|V|d|z|-}} {{respell|-|bədz|-|,_|-|budz|-}}{{Cite American Heritage Dictionary|ombudsman|access-date=10 May 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/ombudsman|title=Ombudsman|work=[[Collins English Dictionary]]|publisher=[[HarperCollins]]|access-date=10 May 2019}}[https://web.archive.org/web/20190510145140/https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/us/ombudsman "ombudsman"] (US) and {{Cite encyclopedia |url=http://www.lexico.com/definition/ombudsman |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200322185947/https://www.lexico.com/definition/ombudsman |url-status=dead |archive-date=2020-03-22 |title=ombudsman |dictionary=[[Lexico]] UK English Dictionary |publisher=[[Oxford University Press]]}}), '''ombud''', '''ombuds''', '''bud''', '''ombudswoman''', '''ombudsperson''' or '''public advocate''' is a government employee who investigates and tries to resolve complaints, usually through recommendations (binding or not) or [[mediation]]. They are usually appointed by the [[government]] or by [[parliament]] (often with a significant degree of independence). [7] => [8] => Ombudsmen also aim to identify systemic issues leading to poor service or breaches of people's rights. At the national level, most ombudsmen have a wide mandate to deal with the entire public sector, and sometimes also elements of the private sector (for example, contracted service providers). In some cases, there is a more restricted mandate to a certain sector of society. More recent developments have included the creation of specialized [[children's ombudsmen]]. [9] => [10] => In some countries, an [[inspector general]], citizen advocate or other official may have duties similar to those of a national ombudsman and may also be appointed by a legislature. Below the national level, an ombudsman may be appointed by a state, local, or municipal government. Unofficial ombudsmen may be appointed by, or even work for, a corporation such as a utility supplier, newspaper, [[NGO]], or professional regulatory body. [11] => [12] => In some jurisdictions, an ombudsman charged with handling concerns about national government is more formally referred to as the "parliamentary commissioner" (e.g. the United Kingdom [[Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration]], and the [[Ombudsmen in Australia#Ombudsman Western Australia|Western Australian state Ombudsman]]). In many countries where the ombudsman's responsibility includes protecting human rights, the ombudsman is recognized as the [[national human rights institutions|national human rights institution]]. The post of ombudsman had by the end of the 20th century been instituted by most governments and by some intergovernmental organizations such as the [[European Union]]. As of 2005, including national and sub-national levels, a total of 129 offices of ombudsman have been established around the world.{{cite book|first=Muhammad|last=Mahbubur Rahman|title=BCS Bangladesh Affairs|publisher=Lion Muhammad Gias Uddin|publication-date= July 2011|volume=I & II|page= 46 (Vol. II)|language=bn}} [13] => [14] => ==Origins and etymology== [15] => A prototype of an ombudsman may have flourished in China during the [[Qin Dynasty]] (221 BC), and later in [[Korea]] during the [[Joseon Dynasty]].{{Cite book |last=Park |first=Sangyil |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JnJLKaZqxDQC |title=Korean Preaching, Han, and Narrative |date=2008 |publisher=Peter Lang |series=American University Studies. Series VII. Theology and Religion|isbn=978-1-4331-0449-7}} The position of [[secret royal inspector]], or {{Lang|ko-latn|amhaeng-eosa}} ({{lang|ko|암행어사}}, {{lang|ko|暗行御史}}) was unique to the Joseon Dynasty, where an undercover official directly appointed by the king was sent to local provinces to monitor government officials and look after the populace while travelling incognito. The [[Tribune|Roman Tribune]] had some similar roles, with the power to veto acts that infringed upon the [[Plebs|Plebeians]]. Another precursor to the ombudsman was the {{Lang|ar-latn|Diwān al-Maẓālim}} ({{lang|ar|دِيوَانُ الْمَظَالِمِ}}) which appears to go back to the second [[caliph]], [[Umar]] (634–644), and the concept of {{Lang|ar-latn|Qaḍī al-Quḍāt}} ({{lang|ar|قَاضِي الْقُضَاةِ}}).{{Cite journal|title=Islamic Roots of Ombudsman Systems|first=V.|last=Pickl|journal=The Ombudsman Journal|year=1987}} They were also attested in Siam, India, the [[Liao dynasty]], Japan, and China. McKenna Lang, [http://elcrps.uoc.edu/index.php/journal-of-conflictology/article/view/vol2iss2-lang "A Western King and an Ancient Notion: Reflections on the Origins of Ombudsing"], ''Journal of Conflictology''. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151122163117/http://elcrps.uoc.edu/index.php/journal-of-conflictology/article/view/vol2iss2-lang |date=22 November 2015 }} http://www.raco.cat/index.php/Conflictology/article/viewArticle/251703/0 http://openaccess.uoc.edu/webapps/o2/handle/10609/12627 [16] => [17] => An indigenous [[Swedish language|Swedish]], [[Norwegian language|Norwegian]], and [[Danish language|Danish]] term, ''ombudsman'', ''ombodsmann'', ''ombudsmann'' or {{lang|da|ombudsmand}} is etymologically rooted in the [[Old Norse]] word {{lang|non|umboðsmaðr}}, essentially meaning 'representative' (with the word {{Lang|sv|umbud}}''/ombod/''{{Lang|da|ombud}} meaning 'proxy', 'attorney'; that is, someone who is authorized to act for someone else, a meaning it still has in the Scandinavian languages). In the Danish [[Jyske Lov|Law of Jutland]] from 1241, the term is {{Lang|mis|umbozman}} and concretely means a royal civil servant in a [[hundred (county division)|hundred]]. From 1552, it is also used in other Nordic languages such as the [[Icelandic language|Icelandic]] and [[Faroese language|Faroese]] {{lang|is|umboðsmaður}}, the Norwegian {{lang|no|ombudsmann}}/{{lang|no|ombodsmann}}, and the Swedish {{lang|sv|ombudsman}} ({{IPA-sv|ˈɔ̂mːbʉːdsˌman|pron|audio=sv-ombudsman.ogg}}). The general meaning was and is approximately 'a man representing (someone)' (i.e., a representative) or 'a man with a commission (from someone)' (a commissioner). The Swedish-speaking minority in Finland uses the Swedish terminology. The various forms of the suffix {{Lang|da|-mand}}, {{Lang|is|-maður}}, et cetera, are just the forms the common Germanic word represented by the [[English language|English]] word ''man'' have in the various languages. Thus, the modern plural form ''ombudsmen'' of the English borrowed word ''ombudsman'' is likely. [18] => [19] => Use of the term in its modern use began in Sweden with the [[Parliamentary Ombudsman|Swedish Parliamentary Ombudsman]] instituted by the [[Instrument of Government (1809)|Instrument of Government]] of 1809, to safeguard the rights of citizens by establishing a supervisory agency independent of the [[executive branch]]. The predecessor of the Swedish Parliamentary Ombudsman was the Office of Supreme Ombudsman ({{Lang|sv|Högste Ombudsmannen}}), which was established by the Swedish King, [[Charles XII of Sweden|Charles XII]], in 1713. Charles XII was in exile in [[Turkey]] and needed a representative in Sweden to ensure that judges and civil servants acted in accordance with the laws and with their duties. If they did not do so, the Supreme Ombudsman had the right to prosecute them for negligence. In 1719 the Swedish Office of Supreme Ombudsman became the [[Chancellor of Justice]].{{cite web|url=http://www.jo.se/Page.aspx?MenuId=20&MainmenuId=12&ObjectClass=DynamX_Documents&Language=sv|title=Historik|first=Riksdagens|last=ombudsmän|access-date=19 May 2017|archive-date=9 October 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071009075227/http://www.jo.se/Page.aspx?MenuId=20&MainmenuId=12&ObjectClass=DynamX_Documents&Language=sv|url-status=dead}} The [[Parliamentary Ombudsman]] was established in 1809 by the Swedish [[Parliament of Sweden|Riksdag]], as a parallel institution to the still-present Chancellor of Justice, reflecting the concept of [[separation of powers]] as developed by [[Charles de Secondat, baron de Montesquieu|Montesquieu]]. [20] => [21] => The Parliamentary Ombudsman is the institution that the Scandinavian countries subsequently developed into its contemporary form, and which subsequently has been adopted in many other parts of the world. The word ombudsman and its specific meaning have since been adopted in various languages, such as Dutch. The German language uses {{lang|de|Ombudsmann}}, {{Lang|de|Ombudsfrau}} and {{Lang|de|Ombudsleute}}. Notable exceptions are French, Italian, Spanish, and [[Finnish language|Finnish]], which use translations instead. Modern variations of this term include ''ombud'', ''ombuds'', ''ombudsperson'', or ''ombudswoman'', and the conventional English plural is ''ombudsmen''. In Nigeria, the ombudsman is known as the ''Public Complaints Commission'' or the ''ombudsman''.The Public Complaint's Commission (Amendment) Act No. 21 of 1979. [22] => [23] => ==In politics== [24] => In general, an ombudsman is a state official appointed to provide a check on government activity in the interests of the citizen and to oversee the investigation of complaints of improper government activity against the citizen. If the ombudsman finds a complaint to be substantiated, the problem may get rectified, or an ombudsman report is published making recommendations for change. Further redress depends on the laws of the country concerned, but this typically involves financial compensation. Ombudsmen in most countries do not have the power to initiate legal proceedings or prosecution on the grounds of a complaint. This role is sometimes referred to as a "tribunician" role, and has been traditionally fulfilled by elected representatives – the term refers to the ancient Roman "[[Tribune#Tribune of the Plebs|tribunes of the plebeians]]" ({{Lang|la|tribuni plebis}}), whose role was to intercede in the political process on behalf of common citizens. [25] => [26] => The significant advantage of an ombudsman is that they examine complaints from outside the offending state institution, thus avoiding the conflicts of interest inherent in self-policing. However, the ombudsman system relies heavily on the selection of an appropriate individual for the office, and on the cooperation of at least some effective official from within the apparatus of the state. The institution has also been criticized:{{by whom|date=September 2022}} "Ombudsmen are relics of absolutism, designed to iron out the worst excesses of administrative arbitrariness while keeping the power structures intact."{{Cite journal|last=Beyer|first=Jürgen|date=2014|title=The influence of reading room rules on the quality and efficiency of historical research|url=http://kodu.ut.ee/~jbeyer/Reading_room_rules.pdf|journal=Svensk tidskrift för bibliografi|volume=8|issue=3|page=125}} [27] => [28] => ==In organizations== [29] => {{Main|Organizational ombudsman}} [30] => [31] => Many private companies, universities, non-profit organisations, and government agencies also have an ombudsman (or an ombuds office) to serve internal employees, managers and/or other constituencies. These ombudsman roles are structured to function independently, by reporting to the CEO or board of directors, and according to the International Ombudsman Association (IOA) Standards of Practice, they do not have any other role in the organisation. Organisational ombudsmen often receive more complaints than alternative procedures such as anonymous hot-lines.Charles L. Howard, ''The Organizational Ombudsman: Origins, Roles and Operations, a Legal Guide'', ABA, 2010. [32] => [33] => Since the 1960s, the profession has grown in the United States, and Canada, particularly in corporations, universities, and government agencies. The [[organizational ombudsman]] works as a designated neutral party, one who is high-ranking in an organization, but who is not part of executive management. Using an [[alternative dispute resolution]] (ADR) or ''appropriate'' dispute resolution approach, an organisational ombudsman can provide options to [[whistleblower]]s or employees and managers with [[Business ethics|ethical]] concerns; provide coaching, shuttle diplomacy, generic solutions (meaning a solution which protects the identity of one individual by applying to a class of people, rather than just for the one individual) and [[mediation]] for conflicts; track problem areas; and make recommendations for changes to policies or procedures in support of orderly systems change. [34] => [35] => ==Ombudsman services by country== [36] => For specific ombudspersons or commissioners for children or young people, also see [[Children's ombudsman#Children's Ombudsman services by country|Children's ombudsman]]. [37] => [38] => ===Albania=== [39] => {{Main|Avokati i Popullit}} [40] => The People's Advocate (ombudsman) of the [[Republic of Albania]] ({{lang-sq|Avokati i Popullit}}) was envisaged in Chapter VI of the [[Constitution of Albania|Albanian Constitution]] approved in November 1998 (articles 60–63 and 134). Article 60 states that "The People's Advocate defends the rights, freedoms and lawful interests of individuals from unlawful or improper actions or failures to act of the organs of public administration."{{cite web|url=http://www.avokatipopullit.gov.al/English/Legal%20Basis.htm|title=Article 60, Albanian Constitution|access-date=19 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120310222313/http://www.avokatipopullit.gov.al/English/Legal%20Basis.htm|archive-date=10 March 2012|url-status=dead}} The [[Parliament of Albania|Parliament]] passed the Law on the People's Advocate, Law No. 8454, in February 1999. The People's Advocate is elected by three-fifths of all members of the Assembly for a five-year period, with the right of re-election. The Law has since been amended by Law No. 8600, of 10 April 2000, and Law No. 9398, of 12 May 2005. [41] => [42] => The current Ombudsman is [[Erinda Ballanca]], elected on 22 May 2017,{{cite web|url=https://sot.com.al/politike/erinda-ballanca-zgjidhet-avokate-e-popullit|title=Erinda Ballanca zgjidhet Avokate e Popullit|date=22 May 2017|website=sot.com.al|access-date=23 July 2018}} succeeding [[Igli Totozani]], elected on 23 December 2011,http://www.balkanweb.com/bw_lajme2.php?IDNotizia=92443&IDCategoria=1 {{Dead link|date=February 2022}} and Dr [[Ermir Dobjani|Emir Dobjani]] who had served since February 2000.{{cite web|url=http://www.avokatipopullit.gov.al/|title=Avokati i Popullit - Ne mbrojtje te qytetarit|website=www.avokatipopullit.gov.al|access-date=19 May 2017}} [43] => [44] => === Andorra === [45] => In the [[Principality of Andorra]], the ombudsman is called {{Lang|ca|Raonador del Ciutadà}}.[http://www.raonadordelciutada.ad/ Raonador del Ciutadà del Principat d'Andorra], official website of the Ombudsman of [[Andorra]].[http://www.theioi.org/europe/principat-d-andorra/raonador-del-ciutad Raonador del Ciutadà] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140416184043/http://www.theioi.org/europe/principat-d-andorra/raonador-del-ciutad |date=16 April 2014 }} / Andorra Ombudsman Office at the International Ombudsman Institute. [46] => [47] => ===Argentina=== [48] => The {{ill|Defensor del Pueblo de la Nación Argentina|es}} (''The People's Defender of The Nation of [[Argentina]]''), established in Article 86 of the [[Constitution of Argentina|Constitution]], is an independent body related to the [[Argentine National Congress]] with functional autonomy, as it does not receive instructions from any authority and enjoys same immunities and privileges as a legislator. [49] => [50] => The principal functions are, first, the defense of [[human rights]] and other rights, guarantees, and interests protected by the Constitution, to acts or omissions of [[public administration]], and secondly, the control of public administrative functions. By law, the Defender should be elected by the vote of 2/3 of the members present in each branch of Congress for a period of five years and may be reappointed.{{cite web|url=http://www.defensor.gov.ar|title=Defensor del Pueblo de la Nación Argentina|website=www.defensor.gov.ar|access-date=19 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080621110007/http://www.defensor.gov.ar/|archive-date=21 June 2008|url-status=dead}} [51] => [52] => However, no replacement was elected to fill the position, when the period of office ran out for the last person actually holding the office, [[Eduardo Mondino|Eduardo René Mondino]], in 2008. Thus, the position has been vacant since 2009.{{cite news|url=https://www.lanacion.com.ar/opinion/otro-ano-sin-defensor-del-pueblo-de-la-nacion-nid1974431|date=10 January 2017|title=Otro año sin defensor del pueblo de la Nación|newspaper=La Nación|language=es|access-date=12 June 2019}}Stropparo, P. E. (2023). Pueblo desnudo y público movilizado por el poder: Vacancia del Defensor del Pueblo: algunas transformaciones en la democracia y en la opinión pública en Argentina. Revista Mexicana De Opinión Pública, (35). https://doi.org/10.22201/fcpys.24484911e.2023.35.85516 [53] => [54] => ===Armenia=== [55] => {{Main|Human Rights Defender of Armenia}} [56] => [57] => The office of the Human Rights Defender, or Ombudsman, of [[Armenia]] was created through legislation in October 2003. The Human Rights Defender describes the goal of the office as the protection and restoration of human rights and fundamental freedoms. It also receives citizen complaints against state and local officials. In February 2004, [[Larisa Alaverdyan]] was appointed to the office by presidential decree. The second ombudsman was [[Armen Harutyunyan]], who was elected by the [[National Assembly (Armenia)|National Assembly]] under article 83.1 of the [[Constitution of Armenia|Constitution]] on 17 February 2006, obtaining more than 3/5 votes of deputies. [[Karen Andreasyan]] was the third Human Rights Defender of Armenia. On 2 March 2011, the National Assembly elected the new Ombudsman, with 83 parliamentarians voting for and 13 against. Karen Andreasyan assumed his responsibilities as Human Rights Defender of Armenia on 3 March 2011. The fourth Ombudsman, Arman Tatoyan, was elected by the National Assembly in February 2016. Tatoyan was the former deputy [[Ministry of Justice (Armenia)|Minister of Justice]].{{cite web|url=http://pashtpan.am/en/defender/ombudsman/biography.html|title=Biography - Human Rights Defender of Armenia|website=Human Rights Defender of Armenia|access-date=23 July 2018|archive-date=24 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180724032301/http://pashtpan.am/en/defender/ombudsman/biography.html|url-status=dead}} Since 24 January 2022, [[Kristinne Grigoryan]] was elected as the fifth Human Rights Defender of Armenia by the National Assembly.{{Cite web|url=https://www.theioi.org/ioi-news/current-news/kristinne-grigoryan-elected-as-new-human-rights-defender-of-armenia|title=Kristinne Grigoryan elected as new Human Rights Defender of Armenia|website=www.theioi.org}} [58] => [59] => ===Australia=== [60] => {{Main|Ombudsmen in Australia}} [61] => [62] => The first ombudsman created in Australia was the Western Australian Ombudsman in 1971, followed shortly by the South Australian Ombudsman in 1972 and the Victorian Ombudsman in 1973. The Commonwealth Ombudsman in [[Australia]] was established in 1976. The Ombudsman can investigate complaints about the actions and decisions of Australian Government departments and agencies, the services delivered by most private contractors for the [[Australian Government]], and oversee complaint investigations conducted by the [[Australian Federal Police]].{{cite web|url=http://www.ombudsman.gov.au/|title=commonwealth ombudsman|first=corporateName=Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Ombudsman;jurisdiction=Australian Capital Territory (ACT);address=GPO Box 442Canberra ACT 2601;address=Level 5, Childers Square, 14 Childers Street, Canberra City ACT 2601;contact=1300 362 072 (local call charge within Australia);international=+6126276|last=0111;email=ombudsman@ombudsman.gov.au|website=www.ombudsman.gov.au|access-date=23 July 2018}} [63] => [64] => ===Austria=== [65] => The three-member Ombudsman Board ({{lang-de|Volksanwaltschaft}}, literally People's Representative) was created in 1977 as an independent authority monitoring [[Austria]]'s entire public administration. It checks the legality of decisions by authorities and examines possible cases of maladministration. The members are appointed by [[Parliament of Austria|parliament]] for six-year terms.{{cite web|url=http://volksanwaltschaft.gv.at/|title=Startseite|access-date=19 May 2017}} [66] => [67] => There are also [[Children's Ombudsman#Austria|children's ombudsman]] offices. [68] => [69] => ===Azerbaijan=== [70] => The Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) of the [[Republic of Azerbaijan]] is also the country's [[national human rights institutions|national human rights institution]], initially accredited with A status by the [[International Co-ordinating Committee of National Human Rights Institutions|International Co-ordinating Committee of NHRIs]]. GANHRI downgraded it to B status in May 2018. The first ombudsman, [[Elmira Süleymanova]], was elected by the Parliament on 2 July 2002, and was reappointed in 2010 for a second term. Suleymanova (born 1937), formerly a professor of chemistry, had been active in the women's movement in Azerbaijan.{{cite web|url=http://www.ombudsman.gov.az/|title=Azərbaycan Respublikasının İnsan Hüquqları üzrə Müvəkkili|last=@Nasir|website=/|access-date=19 May 2017}} In November 2021, Parliament chose Sabina Aliyeva as the new ombudsperson. According to many international organizations and publications, Azerbaijan is [[Human rights in Azerbaijan|one of the worst countries for journalists and human rights defenders]] in the world. The ombudsman's office has been criticized for turning a blind eye to complaints of torture and oppression of activists and the opposition.{{Cite web|title=Azerbaijan: What Is the Ombudsperson's Role in Human Rights? {{!}} Eurasianet|url=https://eurasianet.org/azerbaijan-what-ombudspersons-role-human-rights|access-date=2021-02-25|website=eurasianet.org|language=en}} [71] => [72] => ===Barbados=== [73] => Under the Ombudsman Act 1980, the Ombudsman of Barbados{{Cite web|url=https://www.gov.bb/Departments/ombudsman|title=GOV.BB|website=www.gov.bb|access-date=2019-06-17}} is appointed by the [[Governor-General of Barbados|Governor-General]] with the approval of both houses of the legislature. The current Ombudsman of [[Barbados]] is [[Valton Bend]], a former [[Magistrate]]. [74] => [75] => ===Bahrain=== [76] => {{Unreferenced section|date=May 2022}} [77] => The Bahraini Ombudsman (Arabic: {{Lang|ar|الأمانة العامة للتظلمات}}) is an independent secretariat, financially and administratively, in the [[Ministry of Interior (Bahrain)|Ministry of the Interior]] of [[Bahrain]] established to ensure compliance with professional standards of policing set forth in the Code of Conduct for the Police, as well as in the administrative regulations governing the performance of civil servants. [78] => It operates within a general framework that includes respect for human rights and the consolidation of justice, the rule of law and the public confidence, in line with Recommendation 1717 and Recommendation 1722 Paragraph (d) in the report by the [[Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry]] (BICI). The Ombudsman assumes its authority and mission in full independence with respect to the complaints it receives against any civilian or public security personnel in the Ministry of the Interior of Bahrain for alleged criminal offense because of, during or as result of their scope of responsibilities. [79] => In addition, the Ombudsman informs the competent authority in the Ministry of the Interior of Bahrain to take disciplinary action against violators employed by the ministry. It also informs the public prosecutor in the cases that constitute criminal offenses. It updates both the complainant and the defendant about the steps taken to investigate the complaints and the conclusions of the investigations. [80] => [81] => ===Belgium=== [82] => [[Belgium]] has one federal and four regional statutory ombudsman agencies, all covering the normal range of complaint-handling, investigation and mediation within the respective jurisdictions of their founding legislature. [83] => * The office dealing with complaints against the federal authorities is the Federal Ombudsman ({{lang-nl|de federale Ombudsman}}, {{lang-fr|le Médiateur fédéral}}, {{lang-de|der föderale Ombudsmann}}). The office was established in 1997.{{cite web|url=http://www.federalombudsman.be/|title=le Médiateur fédéral - Frontpage|website=www.federalombudsman.be|access-date=19 May 2017}} [84] => * The [[Flemish Ombudsman Service|Vlaamse Ombudsdienst]] ({{Lang|nl|Vlaamse Ombudsdienst}}) was established by the [[Flemish Parliament]] by decree of 7 July 1998 (the {{Lang|nl|Ombudsdecreet}}).{{cite web|url=http://www.vlaamseombudsdienst.be/|title=Vlaamse Ombudsdienst: welkom op onze site|last=jno|website=www.vlaamseombudsdienst.be|access-date=19 May 2017}} [85] => * The Walloon Ombudsman ({{Lang|fr|Médiateur de la Région Wallonne}}), established by decree of the [[Walloon Parliament]] of 22 December 1994, seeks to help any person, natural or legal, who is experiencing difficulties with the Walloon regional authorities to arrive at a solution without litigation.{{cite web|url=http://mediateur.wallonie.be/|title=Walloon Ombudsman website|access-date=19 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070204054438/http://mediateur.wallonie.be/|archive-date=4 February 2007|url-status=dead}} [86] => * The French Community Ombudsman ({{Lang|fr|Médiateur de la Communauté française}}), created by the [[Parliament of the French Community]] by decree of 20 June 2002, is responsible for handling complaints of citizens who encounter a problem with any administrative unit of the French Community. Its mission is to promote dialogue between the citizen and the administration concerned.{{cite web|url=http://www.mediateurcf.be/|title=Le Médiateur|website=www.mediateurcf.be|access-date=19 May 2017}} [87] => * In the smallest linguistic region, the Ombudsman of the German-Speaking Community ({{Lang|de|Ombudsmann der Deutchsprachigen Gemeinschaft}}) was created by decree of 26 May 2009. This requires the Ombudsman to mediate between citizens and administrative authorities and seek alternative way to resolve conflicts, to settle disputes and, in some cases, to avoid litigation. In its plenary session of 17 May 2010, the [[Parliament of the German-speaking Community]] appointed Cedric Langer for a term of six years as the first Ombudsman.{{cite web|url=http://www.dg-ombudsmann.be/|title=Ombudsfrau|first=Marlene|last=Hardt|website=www.dg-ombudsmann.be|access-date=23 July 2018}} [88] => Belgium also has separate [[Children's Ombudsman#Belgium|children's commissioners]] for the French and Flemish communities. [89] => There is a Pensions Ombudsman service ({{Lang|nl|Ombudsdienst Pensioenen}}, {{Lang|fr|Service de médiation Pensions}}, {{Lang|de|Ombudsmann für Pensionen}}) at the federal level.{{cite web|url=http://www.mediateurpensions.be/en/index.htm|title=Pensions Ombudsman|website=www.mediateurpensions.be|access-date=19 May 2017}} [90] => [91] => ===Bermuda=== [92] => The Office of the Ombudsman for Bermuda{{cite web|url=http://www.ombudsman.bm/|title=Bermuda Ombudsman - Welcome|website=www.ombudsman.bm|access-date=19 May 2017}} was established by the [[Bermuda]] Constitution and is governed by the Ombudsman Act 2004.{{cite web|url=http://www.bermudalaws.bm/Laws/Consolidated%20Laws/Ombudsman%20Act%202004.pdf|title=Bermuda Ombudsman Act 2004|access-date=19 May 2017}} The first National Ombudsman for Bermuda, Arlene Brock, was appointed on 1 August 2005 by the [[Governor of Bermuda|Governor]] after consultation with the [[List of Premiers of Bermuda|Premier]] who first consulted with the Opposition Leader. The Ombudsman investigates complaints about the administrative actions of Public Authorities, including Government Departments, Boards and Bodies established or funded by the [[Parliament of Bermuda|Legislature]]. [93] => [94] => ===Bosnia and Herzegovina=== [95] => The Institution of Human Rights Ombudsman/Ombudsmen of [[Bosnia and Herzegovina]] is also the country's UN-accredited [[National human rights institutions|national human rights institution]].{{cite web|url=http://www.ombudsmen.gov.ba|title=Izbor jezika - Institucija ombudsmena/ombudsmana za ljudska prava Bosne i Hercegovine|first=Dzenan|last=Buzadzic|website=www.ombudsmen.gov.ba|access-date=19 May 2017}} It was created by law in 2004.{{cite web|url=http://www.ombudsmen.gov.ba/docs/Lawonombudsmanenglish.pdf|title=Bosnia and Herzegovina Ombudsman legislation|access-date=19 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120425205838/http://www.ombudsmen.gov.ba/docs/Lawonombudsmanenglish.pdf|archive-date=25 April 2012|url-status=dead}} [96] => [97] => While the ombudsman's [[Children's Ombudsman#Bosnia and Herzegovina|Child Rights Section]] is a member of the [[Children's Ombudsman]] network, there is a separate children's ombudsman in [[Republika Srpska]]. [98] => [99] => ===Brazil=== [100] => In [[Brazil]] the {{Lang|pt|Ministério Público}} (Public Ministry) plays the role of ombudsman. It is an independent entity that, according to the Constitution, has the function of ensuring the effective respect of Public Authorities, public services of relevance and the rights guaranteed in the Constitution, promoting the necessary measures to guarantee them.{{cite web |last1=BRASIL |title=Constituição da República Federativa do Brasil |url=http://www.planalto.gov.br/ccivil_03/constituicao/constituicao.htm |website=Casa Civil - Presidência da República |access-date=18 September 2021}} [101] => [102] => ===Bulgaria=== [103] => The Ombudsman of the [[Republic of Bulgaria]] ({{lang-bg|Омбудсман на Република България}}, {{Lang|bg-latn|Ombudsman na Republika Balgariya}}) is the national human rights institution, in addition to the normal range of functions in relation to maladministration.{{cite web|url=http://www.ombudsman.bg/|title=Омбудсман на Република България|first=Web Architecture by|last=Color.bg|website=www.ombudsman.bg|access-date=19 May 2017}} The institution was created as the 'Citizen's Defender' ({{Lang|bg|Граждански защитник}}, {{Lang|bg-latn|Grazhdanski zashtitnik}}) in 1998 but the first Ombudsman was elected in April 2005. Since 3 September 2019 the office has been held by [[Diana Kovacheva]].{{cite web|title=Diana Kovacheva sworn in as Bulgaria's Ombudsman|url=http://www.focus-fen.net/news/2019/09/05/441540/diana-kovacheva-sworn-in-as-bulgarias-ombudsman-until-new-one-elected.html|publisher=Focus Information Agency|access-date=5 September 2019|date=5 September 2019|archive-date=5 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190905120805/http://www.focus-fen.net/news/2019/09/05/441540/diana-kovacheva-sworn-in-as-bulgarias-ombudsman-until-new-one-elected.html|url-status=dead}} There are also regional ombudsmen (Citizen's Mediators, {{Lang|bg|Граждански посредници}}, {{Lang|bg-latn|Grazhdanski posrednitsi}}) in most parts of the country. [104] => [105] => ===Cayman Islands=== [106] => The Ombudsman of the [[Cayman Islands]] is responsible for classical parliamentary ombuds work in addition to freedom of information, protection of privacy, whistleblower complaints and oversight of public complaints about police conduct. The office was created in 2017{{cite web | url=https://www.caymancompass.com/2017/09/12/new-ombudsman-takes-over-partially-created-office/ | title=New ombudsman takes over partially created office | date=12 September 2017 }} when the previous Office of the Complaints Commissioner and Office of the Information Commissioner were combined and the additional responsibilities were added (privacy, whistleblower complaints and oversight of policy). Sandy Hermiston was appointed the first Ombudsman in September 2017.{{cite web | url=https://www.caymancompass.com/2017/08/23/government-appoints-caymans-first-ombudsman/ | title=Government appoints Cayman's first ombudsman | date=23 August 2017 }} Sharon Roulstone was appointed as Ombudsman in 2022{{cite web | url=https://www.caymancompass.com/2022/04/01/sharon-roulstone-appointed-as-ombudman/ | title=Sharon Roulstone appointed as Ombudman | date=April 2022 }} when Hermiston returned to Canada to take up her appointment as Prince Edward Islands's first Ombudsperson.{{cite web |title=P.E.I. names first-ever ombudsperson |date=2021-11-05 |website=[[CBC News]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230424234547/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/pei-new-ombudsperson-sandy-1.6237648 |archive-date=2023-04-24 |url-status=live |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/pei-new-ombudsperson-sandy-1.6237648}} [107] => [108] => ===Canada=== [109] => In [[Canada]], ombudsman offices are present in most departments of the federal government, in many provincial and municipal governments as well as in [[Crown Corporations]] such as [[Canadian Broadcasting Corporation|CBC]] and [[Canada Post]]. There is an Ombudsman for the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Forces,{{cite web|url=http://www.ombudsman.forces.gc.ca|title=Ombudsman National Defence and Canadian Forces|first1=Government of Canada, National Defence, Office of the|last1=Ombudsman|first2=Gouvernement du Canada, Défense nationale, Bureau de|last2=l’Ombudsman|website=www.ombudsman.forces.gc.ca|access-date=19 May 2017}} an Office of the Procurement Ombudsman,{{cite web|url=http://opo-boa.gc.ca/index-eng.html|title=Office of the Procurement Ombudsman|first=Government of Canada, Office of the Procurement|last=Ombudsman|website=opo-boa.gc.ca|access-date=19 May 2017}} an Office for the Ombudsman for the Victims of Crimes,{{cite web|url=http://www.victimsfirst.gc.ca|title=Home: Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime|first=Office of the Federal Ombudsman for Victims of|last=Crime|website=www.victimsfirst.gc.ca|access-date=19 May 2017}} an Office of the Taxpayers' Ombudsperson{{cite web|url=http://www.oto-boc.gc.ca|title=Office of the Taxpayers' Ombudsman - Canada.ca|first=Office of the Taxpayers'|last=Ombudsman|website=www.oto-boc.gc.ca|access-date=19 May 2017}} and an Office of the Veterans Ombudsman.{{cite web|url=http://www.ombudsman-veterans.gc.ca/|title=Veterans Ombudsman|first1=Veterans|last1=Ombudsman|first2=Ombudsman des|last2=vétérans|website=www.ombudsman-veterans.gc.ca|access-date=19 May 2017}} [110] => [111] => There are also several independent ombuds offices in Canada, including the [[Ombudsman for Banking Services and Investments]] and various [[Children's Ombudsman#Canada|child advocate]] offices. [112] => [113] => While Canada has no single national legislative ombudsman, ten Canadian provinces and one territory have parliamentary ombudsmen (sometimes called "citizens' protector" or "citizens' representative") in the classical/legislative tradition, who oversee the provincial government and receive and investigate public complaints. They are: [114] => * Alberta Ombudsman, established 1967;{{cite web|url=http://www.ombudsman.ab.ca/|title=Alberta Ombudsman - Your voice of fairness.|website=Alberta Ombudsman|access-date=19 May 2017}} [115] => * Office of the Ombudsperson, British Columbia;{{cite web|url=http://www.ombudsman.bc.ca/|title=BC Ombudsman website|access-date=19 May 2017}} [116] => * Ombudsman Manitoba, established 1970;{{cite web|url=http://www.ombudsman.mb.ca/|title=Manitoba Ombudsman|website=www.ombudsman.mb.ca|access-date=19 May 2017}} [117] => * New Brunswick Ombudsman's Office, established 1967;{{cite web|url=http://www.gnb.ca/0073/index-e.asp/|title=New Brunswick Ombudsman website|access-date=19 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141011111313/http://www.gnb.ca/0073/index-e.asp|archive-date=11 October 2014|url-status=dead}} [118] => * Citizens' Representative of Newfoundland and Labrador;{{cite web|url=http://www.citizensrep.nl.ca/home.htm/|title=Newfoundland/Labrador ombudsman website|access-date=19 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110827141326/http://www.citizensrep.nl.ca/home.htm|archive-date=27 August 2011|url-status=dead}} [119] => * Nova Scotia Office of the Ombudsman, established 1970;{{cite web|url=http://www.gov.ns.ca/ombu/|title=Nova Scotia Office of the Ombudsman|website=www.gov.ns.ca|access-date=19 May 2017}} [120] => * [[Ontario Ombudsman]], established 1975 [121] => * Ontario [[Patient Ombudsman]], established 2015 [122] => * Quebec Ombudsman ({{lang-fr|Le Protecteur du citoyen}}), established 1968;{{cite web|url=http://www.protecteurducitoyen.qc.ca/en/index.asp/|title=Quebec ombudsman website|access-date=19 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090913063355/http://www.protecteurducitoyen.qc.ca/en/index.asp|archive-date=13 September 2009|url-status=dead}} [123] => * Ombudsman Saskatchewan, established 1972;{{cite web|url=http://www.ombudsman.sk.ca/|title=Ombudsman Saskatchewan|website=www.ombudsman.sk.ca|access-date=19 May 2017}} [124] => * Office of the Yukon Ombudsman and Information & Privacy Commissioner;{{cite web|url=http://www.ombudsman.yk.ca/|title=Yukon Ombudsman, Information Privacy Commissioner & Public Interest Disclosure Commissioner|website=www.ombudsman.yk.ca|access-date=19 May 2017}} and [125] => * Ombudsperson Prince Edward Island, established 2022.{{cite web |title=P.E.I. names first-ever ombudsperson |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/pei-new-ombudsperson-sandy-1.6237648 |website=[[CBC News]] |date=2021-11-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405041807/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/pei-new-ombudsperson-sandy-1.6237648 |archive-date=2023-04-05 |url-status=live |last1=Fraser |first1=Sara}} [126] => [127] => ===Chile=== [128] => [[Chile]] remains in 2012 the only country in [[South America]] without a national ombudsman office, although one was envisaged in a constitutional reform proposed in the Senate by the President in 2000.{{Cite web |title=Atinachile.cl {{!}} Un lugar para hablar de política |url=https://www.atinachile.cl/ |access-date=2023-05-12 |website=Atina Chile |language=es}}{{Cite web |last=Unknown |date=2011-08-28 |title=OMBUDSMAN - DEFENSOR DEL PUEBLO - DEFENSOR DE LAS PERSONAS: el "defensor del pueblo" una solución muy aspirada por la ciudadanía |url=http://defensorpueblo.blogspot.com/2011/08/el-defensor-del-pueblo-una-solucion-muy.html |access-date=2023-05-12 |website=OMBUDSMAN - DEFENSOR DEL PUEBLO - DEFENSOR DE LAS PERSONAS}} Indeed, Chile is not listed as having an ombudsman on the website of the Ibero-American Federation of Ombudsmen.{{Cite web |title=Portal FIO - Sitio web de FIO |url=http://www.portalfio.org/ |access-date=2023-05-12 |website=Portal FIO |language=es}} There exists, however, a {{Lang|es|Capítulo Chileno del Ombudsman}}, or 'Chilean Ombudsman Chapter', an organisation lobbying for the introduction of a national ombudsman.{{Cite web |url=http://www.wiserearth.org/organization/view/0b77ba78cd679639082a8f10989ceabe |title=Archived copy |access-date=18 December 2016 |archive-date=4 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120504050642/http://www.wiserearth.org/organization/view/0b77ba78cd679639082a8f10989ceabe |url-status=dead }} [129] => [130] => Some other public bodies, such as the [[:es:Instituto Nacional de Derechos Humanos|National Institute of Human Rights]] ({{Lang|es|Instituto Nacional de Derechos Humanos}}) or the [[:es:Consejo para la Transparencia|Transparency Council]] ({{Lang|es|Consejo para la Transparencia}}), have quasi-ombudsman functions, in that their statutes allow them to appeal to the legislature and judiciary for protection and development of fundamental rights. However, unlike many other ombudsman agencies, they do not have constitutional status, but were created by ordinary statutes.{{cite web|url=http://www.indh.cl/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/ley20405.pdf|title=Act 20.405, Organic Act of the National Institute of Human Rights of Chile|access-date=19 May 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://www.leychile.cl/Navegar?idNorma=276363|title=LEY-20285 20-AGO-2008 MINISTERIO SECRETARÍA GENERAL DE LA PRESIDENCIA - Ley Chile - Biblioteca del Congreso Nacional|website=www.leychile.cl|access-date=19 May 2017}} [131] => [132] => ===Colombia=== [133] => {{Main|Ombudsman's Office of Colombia}} [134] => [135] => The People's Defender ({{lang-es|Defensoría del Pueblo}}) or [[Ombudsman's Office of Colombia]] is the national agency in charge of overseeing the protection of [[civil rights|civil]] and [[human rights]] within the legal framework of the state of [[Colombia]]. [136] => [137] => ===Costa Rica=== [138] => {{Unreferenced section|date=May 2022}} [139] => The ombudsman office in [[Costa Rica]], which is also the national human rights institution, is unique in bearing the name Defender of the Inhabitants ({{lang-es|Defensoría de los Habitantes}}). In 1993 it absorbed a former [[Children's Ombudsman#Costa Rica|children's ombudsman]] office. [140] => [141] => ===Cyprus=== [142] => The Commissioner for Administration ({{lang-el|Γραφείο Επιτρόπου Διοικήσεως}}), usually referred to as the Ombudsman, is an Independent Authority in [[Cyprus]] and was established on 15 March 1991. The office is currently held by Maria Stylianou-Lottides.{{cite web|url=http://www.ombudsman.gov.cy/|title=Επίτροπος Διοικήσεως και Ανθρωπίνων Δικαιωμάτων|website=www.ombudsman.gov.cy|access-date=19 May 2017}} [143] => [144] => There is also a [[Children's Ombudsman#Cyprus|Commissioner for Children's Rights]]. [145] => [146] => ===Czech Republic=== [147] => The Public Defender of Rights ({{lang-cz|Veřejný ochránce práv}}) of the [[Czech Republic]] is more frequently referred to simply as ''ombudsman''. The office was established in 1999. It has the traditional ombudsman role of mediating between complainants and officials in public bodies, but has no direct means or mechanisms of enforcement. Should the relevant body fail to provide a remedy, the ombudsman may refer the matter to the government. Following the death in office of the first ever Czech ombudsman, [[Otakar Motejl]], in May 2010, former [[Constitutional Court of the Czech Republic|Constitutional Court]] judge Pavel Varvařovský was elected to the office by the lower house of parliament in September 2010.{{cite web|url=http://www.ochrance.cz/en/index.php|title=Czech ombudsman website|access-date=19 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100203023755/http://www.ochrance.cz/en/index.php|archive-date=3 February 2010|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.radio.cz/en/section/curraffrs/ex-constitutional-court-judge-pavel-varvarovsky-elected-new-czech-ombudsman|title=Radio Prague - Ex-Constitutional Court judge Pavel Varvařovský elected new Czech ombudsman|date=8 September 2010|access-date=19 May 2017}} After his resignation in December 2013, [[Anna Šabatová]], a deputy-ombudswoman from 2001 to 2007, was elected and sworn to the office in February 2014. [148] => [149] => ===Denmark=== [150] => * The Parliamentary Ombudsman ({{lang-da|Folketingets Ombudsmand}}) was established in [[Denmark]] in 1955 to investigate complaints brought by an individual or [[ex officio]] in all matters relating to public governance, including maladministration by central or local authorities, on a case-by-case basis and on a general scale. The ombudsman's main areas of expertise include [[administrative law]]; [[constitutional law]]; the rights of inmates in correction facilities; and [[Freedom of information|access to information]]. The ombudsman is appointed by the [[Parliament of Denmark]]. [151] => * The Consumer Ombudsman ({{Lang|da|Forbrugerombudsmanden}}) was established in 1974 to ensure that the [[consumer protection]] and marketing rules are complied with by private undertakings. The ombudsman can ultimately institute legal proceedings before the Copenhagen [[Maritime and Commercial Court (Denmark)|Maritime and Commercial Court]]. [152] => * In February 2011 the Danish government turned down a request from a United Nations committee to create the position of Ombudsman for Children ({{Lang|da|Børneombudsmand}}).{{cite web|url=http://www2.ohchr.org/english/bodies/crc/docs/co/CRC.C.DNK.4.doc|title=Concluding Observations of the Committee on the Rights of the Child: Denmark, 4 February 2011|access-date=19 May 2017}} The government instead opted to create a specialized "children's office" ({{Lang|da|Børnekontor}}) as a part of the existing Ombudsman institution.[https://www.retsinformation.dk/Forms/R0710.aspx?id=142493 Law no. 568 of 18 June 2012] § 1, nr. 4-5[http://www.folketingstidende.dk/RIpdf/samling/20111/lovforslag/L188/20111_L188_som_fremsat.pdf#page=3 Legislative comments on proposal L 188, section 3]: [[Folketingstidende]] 2011-12, section A, (L 188 as submitted), p. 2-6 [153] => [154] => (Also note that the highest representatives of the Danish government in the [[Faroe Islands]] and [[Greenland]], are called Royal Ombudsmen ({{Lang|da|Rigsombudsmænd}}) since 1948 and 1979, respectively. However, here the word is used more in its older general meaning of ''[[commissioner]]''. See [[High Commission of Denmark, Tórshavn]] and [[High Commission of Denmark, Nuuk]], respectively.) [155] => [156] => ===Ecuador=== [157] => In [[Ecuador]], the officer known as People's Defender ({{lang-es|Defensor del Pueblo}}) performs the functions of an ombudsman. [158] => [159] => ===El Salvador=== [160] => The country of [[El Salvador]] has a Human Rights Procurator, also referred to as ombudsman ({{lang-es|Procurador para la Defensa de los Derechos Humanos}}). [161] => [162] => ===Estonia=== [163] => The [[Chancellor of Justice (Estonia)|Chancellor of Justice]] ({{lang-et|Õiguskantsler}}) of [[Estonia]] is an independent supervisor of the basic principles of the [[Constitution of Estonia]] and the protector of individual rights. The function of ombudsman was entrusted to the [[Chancellor of Justice (Estonia)|Chancellor of Justice]] in 1999. The Chancellor of Justice monitors whether state agencies comply with people's fundamental rights and freedoms and with the principles of good governance. In 2004 the ombudsman functions expanded to cover local governments, legal persons in public law and private persons who exercise public functions. [164] => [165] => ===European Union=== [166] => The [[European Ombudsman]] was established by the [[Maastricht Treaty]], the treaty establishing the [[European Union]].{{cite web|url=http://www.europarl.org.uk/constitution/treatySingleColumn/p069-Constitution-Part3-title06-ch01-s01-sub01.htm|title=EuroParl.org.uk Constitution of the European Union, Article III-335 (provisions establishing EU ombudsman)|access-date=19 May 2017|archive-date=30 December 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081230213834/http://www.europarl.org.uk/constitution/treatySingleColumn/p069-Constitution-Part3-title06-ch01-s01-sub01.htm|url-status=dead}} The current European Ombudsman, holding office since 1 October 2013, is [[Emily O'Reilly]], former national ombudsman of [[Ireland]]. The European Union Ombudsman investigates claims by individuals or companies which reside or have their interests within the European Union against incidents of bad administration by bodies or institutions of the European Union.{{cite web|url=http://www.ombudsman.europa.eu/home/en/default.htm|title=Home page»European Ombudsman|first=European|last=Ombudsman|website=www.ombudsman.europa.eu|access-date=19 May 2017}} [167] => [168] => ===Finland=== [169] => [170] => In [[Finland]] the office of [[Parliamentary Ombudsman]] ({{lang-fi|Eduskunnan oikeusasiamies}}, {{lang-sv|Riksdagens justitieombudsman}}), modelled after the Swedish Ombudsman, was established by the [[Constitution of Finland|Constitution of 1919]]. The Ombudsman is appointed by Parliament, and has the task of ensuring that all government departments and officials follow the law. The Parliamentary Ombudsman shares many duties with the [[Chancellor of Justice]]. The Ombudsman has wide-ranging oversight and investigative powers, has access to all government facilities, documents and information systems and can order a police investigation if necessary. If the Ombudsman determines that a government official has not acted in accordance with the law she or he can advise on the proper application of the law, reprimand the official or in extreme cases order a criminal prosecution. Partly because of the prosecutorial powers, the office enjoys considerable respect and the Ombudsman's legal opinions are usually strictly followed, carrying a lot of weight in the absence of a court precedent.{{cite web|url=http://www.oikeusasiamies.fi/Resource.phx/eoa/english/index.htx|title=The Parliamentary Ombudsman of Finland|website=www.oikeusasiamies.fi|access-date=19 May 2017|archive-date=21 February 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070221204921/http://www.oikeusasiamies.fi/Resource.phx/eoa/english/index.htx|url-status=dead}} [171] => [172] => There are also special ombudsmen for gender equality ({{Lang-fi|Tasa-arvovaltuutettu|links=no}}''/''{{Lang-sv|Jämställdhetsombudsmannen|links=no}}), [[Children's Ombudsman#Finland|children's welfare]] ({{Lang-fi|Lapsiasiavaltuutettu|links=no}}''/''{{Lang-sv|Barnombudsmannen|links=no}}), protection against discrimination ({{Lang-fi|Yhdenvertaisuusvaltuutettu|links=no}}''/''{{Lang-sv|Diskrimineringsombudsmannen|links=no}}), data protection, and consumer protection, operating under the auspices of various ministries and other government agencies. Every health care provider in Finland is legally obliged to have a patients' rights ombudsman.{{cite web|url=http://www.tasa-arvo.fi/en/home|title=Website of the Finnish ombudsman for gender equality|access-date=19 May 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150219052914/http://www.tasa-arvo.fi/en/home|archive-date=19 February 2015}} [173] => [174] => ===France=== [175] => {{Main|Defender of Rights (France)}} [176] => In 1973, the [[Government of France|French Government]] created an office of ombudsman ({{lang-fr|Médiateur de la République}}). A reform in May 2011 merged that office with the [[Children's Ombudsman]] ({{Lang|fr|Défenseur des enfants}}), the equality authority ({{Lang|fr|Haute autorité de lutte contre les discriminations et pour l'égalité}}, HALDE) and the body supervising the conduct of police and other security agencies, the {{Lang|fr|Commission nationale de déontologie de la sécurité}} (CNDS), creating a new body named the [[Defender of Rights (France)|Defender of Rights]] ({{Lang|fr|Défenseur des droits}}). In July 2011 [[Dominique Baudis]] was appointed to the office by the [[Conseil d'État (France)|Council of State]] on the nomination of the [[Prime Minister of France|Prime Minister]], for a single six-year term but died in April 2014. In June 2014, former minister [[Jacques Toubon]] was chosen for the following six years. Since 22 July 2020, the role has been held by former journalist and [[International Movement ATD Fourth World|anti-poverty campaigner]] [[Claire Hédon]].{{Cite news|date=2020-07-22|title=Claire Hédon, Défenseure des droits|url=https://www.defenseurdesdroits.fr/fr/claire-hedon-defenseure-des-droits|access-date=2020-09-26|website=Défenseur des Droits|language=fr}} [177] => [178] => ===Georgia=== [179] => {{Main|Public Defender of Georgia}} [180] => The Public Defender (Ombudsman) of [[Georgia (country)|Georgia]] ({{lang-ka|სახალხო დამცველი}}) is a national human rights institution. The office was established by [[Parliament of Georgia (country)|Parliament]] in 1997. The Public Defender is elected for a six-year term by a parliamentary majority, and must follow the [[Constitution of Georgia (country)|Constitution]] and the law, as well as the universally recognized principles and rules of international law, and international treaties and agreements concluded by Georgia. The Public Defender supervises the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms, investigates violation of human rights and assists in securing redress. The office supervises the activities of national or local public authorities, public officials and legal persons, evaluates all acts passed by them and gives recommendations and proposals. The office also conducts [[human rights education]].{{cite web|url=http://www.ombudsman.ge/index.php|title=მთავარი - საქართველოს სახალხო დამცველი|website=www.ombudsman.ge|access-date=19 May 2017}} [181] => [182] => ===Germany=== [183] => The nearest equivalent to a federal ombudsman service in [[Germany]] is the Parliamentary Petitions Committee ({{lang-de|Petitionsausschuss Deutscher Bundestag}}), which receives and investigates complaints of maladministration.{{cite web|url=http://www.bundestag.de/bundestag/ausschuesse17/a02/index.jsp|title=Petitionsausschuss|access-date=19 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140118155657/http://www.bundestag.de/bundestag/ausschuesse17/a02/index.jsp|archive-date=18 January 2014|url-status=dead}} There are a number of sectoral ombudsmen, including the Parliamentary Military-Ombudsman ({{Lang|de|Wehrbeauftragter des Deutschen}} ''[[Bundestag]]es'') and the Ombudsman Institution for Public Transport ({{Lang|de|Schlichtungsstelle für den öffentlichen Personenverkehr e.V.}}, SÖP).{{cite web|url=http://www.soep-online.de|title=söp Schlichtungsstelle für den öffentlichen Personenverkehr e.V. - Index|last=söp|website=www.soep-online.de|access-date=19 May 2017}} [184] => [185] => ===Gibraltar=== [186] => The Gibraltar Public Services Ombudsman is an independent authority whose functions are to investigate complaints received from the general public about acts of maladministration by the Government of [[Gibraltar]] and certain public bodies and contractors. The Office of the Ombudsman came into being in April 1999 with the appointment of Henry Pinna as Gibraltar's first Public Services Ombudsman.{{cite web|url=http://www.ombudsman.org.gi/|title=Welcome to the Gibraltar Public Services Ombudsman|website=www.ombudsman.org.gi|access-date=19 May 2017}} [187] => [188] => ===Greece=== [189] => The Citizen's Advocate (ombudsman) of [[Greece]] ({{lang-el|Συνήγορος του Πολίτη}}) was created in 1998 as an Independent Authority. Following the resignation of Professor [[Georgios Kaminis]] in September 2010, the duties of the Citizen's Advocate passed to Deputy Ombudsman [[Kalliopi Spanou]]. The Advocate is assisted by six Assistant Advocates, who coordinate the activities of the Advocate's office in the six thematic areas in which the office has authority: i) [[civil rights]], ii) [[social protection]], iii) [[quality of life]], iv) state-citizen relationships, v) [[Children's Ombudsman#Greece|children's rights]], and vi) [[gender equality]].{{cite web|url=http://www.synigoros.gr/en_who_is.htm|title=Greek Ombudsman website|access-date=19 May 2017}} [190] => [191] => ===Hong Kong=== [192] => The [[Office of the Ombudsman (Hong Kong)|Office of The Ombudsman]], known as the Commission for Administrative Complaints until 1994, is an independent [[statutory authority]], established in 1989 under the Commissioner for Administrative Complaints Ordinance 1988, to redress grievances arising from maladministration in the public sector through independent and impartial investigations to improve the standard of public administration. [193] => [194] => ===Hungary=== [195] => After [[End of Socialism in Hungary|1989, the end of the communist era]] multiple Parliamentary Commissioner ({{lang-hu|Országgyűlési biztos}}), or ombudsman, posts were created: [196] => * Commissioner for Civil Rights ({{Lang|hu|Állampolgári jogok biztosa}}) [197] => * Privacy Commissioner ({{Lang|hu|Adatvédelmi biztos}}) [198] => * Commissioner for Minority Rights ({{Lang|hu|Kisebbségi jogok biztosa}}) [199] => * Ombudsman for Future Generations ({{Lang|hu|A jövő nemzedékek ombudsmanja}}, from 2008) [200] => [201] => As of 1 January 2012, the four ombudsmen merged into one office of Commissioner for Fundamental Rights ({{Lang|hu|Alapvető jogok biztosa}}). [202] => [203] => ===Iceland=== [204] => The post of [[Althing Ombudsman]] ({{lang-is|Umboðsmaður Alþingis}}) was set up in 1987 under the terms of law number 13/1987, which deals with complaints against the government. The ombudsman's authority was expanded to local government levels in the 1997 law number 85/1997. The ombudsman is appointed for a four-year term by the parliament ([[Althing]] or {{Lang|is|Alþingi}}). The Ombudsman aims to safeguard the rights of the citizens vis-à-vis the State and local authorities, and to promote equality and good administrative practice.{{cite web|url=http://www.umbodsmaduralthingis.is/|title=Umboðsmaður Alþingis|website=www.umbodsmaduralthingis.is|access-date=19 May 2017}} [205] => [206] => ===India=== [207] => The [[Government of India]] has designated several ombudsmen (sometimes called Chief Vigilance Officer (CVO)) for the redress of grievances and complaints from individuals in the banking, insurance and other sectors being serviced by both private and public bodies and corporations.{{cite web | url = http://cvc.nic.in/vscvc/guideanx7.pdf | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20030526192725/http://cvc.nic.in/vscvc/guideanx7.pdf | url-status = dead | archive-date = 2003-05-26 | title = LIST OF AGENCIES IN GOVERNMENT OF INDIA FIGHTING CORRUPTION | publisher = Central Vigilance Commission, Government of India | access-date = 2008-01-21 }} The CVC ([[Central Vigilance Commission]]) was set up on the recommendation of the Santhanam Committee (1962–64). [208] => [209] => ====Lokpal==== [210] => {{main|Lokpal}} [211] => In [[India]], the Ombudsman is known as the [[Lokpal]] or [[Lokayukta]]. An [[Administrative Reforms Commission]] (ARC) was set up on 5 January 1966 under the Chairmanship of [[Shri]] [[Morarji Desai]]. It recommended a two-tier machinery: Lokpal at the Centre (parliamentary commissioner, as in New Zealand) and one Lokayukta each at the [[States of India|State]] level for redress of people's grievances. However, the jurisdiction of the Lokpal did not extend to the judiciary (as in case of New Zealand). The central Government introduced the first [[Jan Lokpal Bill|Lokpal Bill]], Lokpal and [[Lokayuktas]] Bill in 1968, and further legislation was introduced in 2005. Final bill, after all the amendments, has been passed in Rajya Sabha on 17 December 2013 and passed in Loksabha on 18 December 2013.{{cite news |title=Lokpal bill passes|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Lok-Sabha-passes-amended-Lokpal-Bill/articleshow/27580904.cms |newspaper=[[Times of India]] |date=18 December 2013 }} [212] => [213] => ====Lokayukta==== [214] => {{main|Lokayukta}} [215] => The state-level Lokayukta institution has developed gradually. [[Odisha|Orissa]] was the first state to present a bill on the establishment of Lokayukta in 1970, but [[Maharashtra Lokayukta|Maharashtra]] was the first to establish the institution, in 1972. Other states followed: [[Bihar]] (1974), [[Uttar Pradesh]] (1977), [[Madhya Pradesh]] (1981), [[Andhra Pradesh]] (1983), [[Himachal Pradesh]] (1983), [[Karnataka]] (1984), [[Assam]] (1986), [[Gujarat]] (1988), [[Delhi]] (1995), [[Punjab, India|Punjab]] (1996), [[Kerala]] (1998), [[Chhattisgarh|Chhattishgarh]] (2002), [[Uttarakhand|Uttaranchal]] (2002), [[West Bengal]] (2003) and [[Haryana]] (2004). The structure of the Lokayukta is not uniform across all the states. Some states have [[UpaLokayukta]] under the Lokayukta and in some states, the Lokayukta does not have ''suo moto'' powers of instigating an enquiry. [216] => [217] => Kerala State has an Ombudsman for Local Self Government institutions like Panchayats, Municipalities, and Corporations.{{cite web|url=http://decwatch.org/?q=ombudsman|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100824020915/http://decwatch.org/?q=ombudsman|url-status=usurped|archive-date=24 August 2010|title=Ombudsman for Local Governments in Kerala|website=decwatch.org|access-date=23 July 2018}} The ombudsman can enquire/investigate into allegations of action, inaction, corruption and maladministration. A retired Judge of the High Court is appointed by the Governor for a term of three years, under the Kerala Panchayat Raj Act. [218] => [219] => In the [[Rajasthan|State of Rajasthan]], the Lokayukta institution was established in 1973 after the Rajasthan Lokayukta and [[Up-Lokayuktas]] Act, 1973 was passed by the State Legislature. [220] => [221] => ==== Non-banking financial companies ==== [222] => The [[Reserve Bank of India]] launched an "Ombudsman Scheme" for redress of complaints against [[non-bank financial institution|non-banking financial companies]] (NBFCs) free of charge.{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/banking/finance/rbi-launches-ombudsman-scheme-for-nbfcs/articleshow/63049092.cms|title=RBI launches Ombudsman Scheme for NBFCs|date=2018-02-23|work=The Economic Times|access-date=2018-04-04}} [223] => [224] => This scheme is applicable to only those NBFCs which: [225] => * Have assets of more than [[Indian rupee|₹]]1,000,000,000; AND/OR [226] => * Accept deposits. [227] => [228] => The complainant can file the complaint with the NBFC Ombudsman under whose jurisdiction the branch or registered office of the NBFC falls in the following cases: [229] => * If the NBFC does not reply within a period of one month after receipt of the complaint; [230] => * If the complainant is not satisfied with the reply given by the NBFC; [231] => * If the NBFC rejects, or does not acknowledge the complaint. [232] => [233] => ====Anti-corruption movements==== [234] => {{See also|2011 Indian anti-corruption movement|2012 Indian anti-corruption movement}} [235] => The [[2011 Indian anti-corruption movement]] led by social activist [[Anna Hazare]] and [[Arvind Kejriwal]] includes in its demands the creation of a stronger ombudsman agency (with jurisdiction over all state institutions) through the enactment of a [[Jan Lokpal Bill]], as an alternative to the Lokpal Bill proposed by the government in 2010. [236] => [237] => ===Indonesia=== [238] => The Ombudsman of the Republic of [[Indonesia]] previously named the National Ombudsman Commission is a state institution in Indonesia that has the authority to oversee the implementation of public services both organized by state officials and government, including those held by State-Owned Enterprises, Regionally-Owned Enterprises, and State-Owned Legal Entities private or individuals who are given the task of carrying out certain public services which part or all of their funds are sourced from the State Revenue and Expenditure Budget or the Regional Revenue and Expenditure Budget. This institution was formed based on Law Number 37 of 2008 concerning the Ombudsman of the Republic of Indonesia which was ratified at the [[People's Representative Council|DPR RI]] Plenary Meeting on 9 September 2008.{{Cite web|url=http://prokum.esdm.go.id/cgi-sys/suspendedpage.cgi|title=Account Suspended|website=prokum.esdm.go.id|access-date=12 July 2019|archive-date=15 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190715092012/http://prokum.esdm.go.id/cgi-sys/suspendedpage.cgi|url-status=dead}}{{wikisource|Undang-Undang Republik Indonesia Nomor 37 Tahun 2008|Ombudsman Republik Indonesia}} [239] => [240] => ===Iran=== [241] => The State Ombudsman of [[Iran]] is the [[General Inspection Office (Iran)|General Inspection Office]]. This office was one of the Founding Members of AOA (Asian Ombudsman Association) and hosted the 4th and 13th AOA annual conferences in 1999 and 2013.{{cite web|script-title=fa:آمبودزمان؛ سازمان حقوقی بین المللی فعال در رسیدگی به شکایات مردمی|url=http://www3.boushehr.irna.ir/fa/News/80835538/اجتماعی/آمبودزمان؛_سازمان_حقوقی_بین_المللی_فعال_در_رسیدگی_به_شکایات_مردمی|website=[[Islamic Republic News Agency]]|access-date=24 April 2017|language=fa|date=28 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170519063521/http://www3.boushehr.irna.ir/fa/News/80835538/%D8%A7%D8%AC%D8%AA%D9%85%D8%A7%D8%B9%DB%8C/%D8%A2%D9%85%D8%A8%D9%88%D8%AF%D8%B2%D9%85%D8%A7%D9%86%D8%9B_%D8%B3%D8%A7%D8%B2%D9%85%D8%A7%D9%86_%D8%AD%D9%82%D9%88%D9%82%DB%8C_%D8%A8%DB%8C%D9%86_%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D9%84%D9%84%DB%8C_%D9%81%D8%B9%D8%A7%D9%84_%D8%AF%D8%B1_%D8%B1%D8%B3%DB%8C%D8%AF%DA%AF%DB%8C_%D8%A8%D9%87_%D8%B4%DA%A9%D8%A7%DB%8C%D8%A7%D8%AA_%D9%85%D8%B1%D8%AF%D9%85%DB%8C|archive-date=19 May 2017|url-status=dead}} [242] => In Iran an organization called {{Lang|fa|دیوان عدالت اداری}} or 'the Administration Justice Court' is set to investigate the complaints of any government employee or staff member who has been discriminated against. [243] => [244] => ===Ireland=== [245] => The [[Ombudsman (Ireland)|Office of the Ombudsman]] was set up under the terms of the Ombudsman Act 1980.{{cite web|url=http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/ZZA26Y1980.html|title=Irish Ombudsman legislation|access-date=19 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070223211813/http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/ZZA26Y1980.html|archive-date=23 February 2007|url-status=dead}} The Ombudsman is appointed by the [[President of Ireland]] upon the nomination of both [[Houses of the Oireachtas]], and is a [[Civil service of the Republic of Ireland|civil servant of the State]]. The Ombudsman deals with complaints against [[Department of state (Ireland)|Departments of State]], [[Local government in the Republic of Ireland|local authorities]], the [[Health Service Executive (Ireland)]], private and public nursing homes and direct provision accommodation services.{{cite web|url=http://ombudsman.gov.ie/en/|title=Irish Ombudsman website|website=ombudsman.gov.ie|access-date=23 July 2018|archive-date=24 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180424171335/https://www.ombudsman.gov.ie/en/|url-status=dead}} [246] => [247] => There are other ombudsmen established in [[Republic of Ireland|Ireland]]. The first Pensions Ombudsman, Paul Kenny, was appointed in 2003. Emily Logan became Ireland's first [[Children's Ombudsman#Ireland|Ombudsman for Children]] in March 2004. The Financial Services Ombudsman incorporated the older offices of the [[Insurance]] Ombudsman and Ombudsman for [[Credit Institutions]] in 2005.{{cite web|url=http://www.financialombudsman.ie/|title=Financial Services Ombudsman's Bureau of Ireland - Lo Call: 1890 88 20 90|website=www.financialombudsman.ie|access-date=19 May 2017|archive-date=8 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170608182531/https://www.financialombudsman.ie/|url-status=dead}} Also established in 2005 was the [[Ombudsman for the Defence Forces|Office of the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces]], the first holder being Paulyn Marrinan Quinn, formerly the founding Insurance Ombudsman. An Act of 2005 created a three-person tribunal, the [[Garda Síochána#Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission|Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission]], to investigate complaints about the country's police force. All these offices are statutory and their holders are public servants. [248] => [249] => A (non-statutory) Press Ombudsman began work in January 2008 and legislation has been published to establish a Legal Services Ombudsman. The Ombudsman (Amendment) Bill of 2008 provided for the statutory protection of the title of Ombudsman. This was passed as the Ombudsman (Amendment) Act 2012, which increased the number of State agencies under the Ombudsman's remit, and also designated the Ombudsman as Director (Chief Executive) of the Office of the Commission for Public Service Appointments. [250] => [251] => Irish Ombudsmen to date have been [[Michael Mills (journalist)|Michael Mills]] from 1984 to 1994, [[Kevin Murphy (ombudsman)|Kevin Murphy]] from 1994 to 2003, [[Emily O'Reilly]] from 2003 to 2013, and [[Peter Tyndall]], who was appointed in December 2013.[http://www.ombudsman.gov.ie/en/About-Us/The-Ombudsman%27s-Office/Previous-Office-Holders/ Previous Ombudsmen] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131211141301/http://www.ombudsman.gov.ie/en/About-Us/The-Ombudsman%27s-Office/Previous-Office-Holders/ |date=11 December 2013 }} Office of the Ombudsmen. Retrieved: 8 December 2013.[http://www.ombudsman.gov.ie/en/News/Media-Releases/2013-Media-Releases/President-appoints-Peter-Tyndall-Ombudsman.html President appoints Peter Tyndall as Ombudsman and Information Commissioner] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131211110525/http://www.ombudsman.gov.ie/en/News/Media-Releases/2013-Media-Releases/President-appoints-Peter-Tyndall-Ombudsman.html |date=11 December 2013 }} Office of the Ombudsman, 2 December 2013. [252] => [253] => ===Israel=== [254] => The [[State Comptroller of Israel|State Comptroller]] also serves, by law, as Ombudsman. She or he discharges this function by way of a special unit in the Office of the State Comptroller, known as the Office of the Ombudsman. The Ombudsman investigates complaints against bodies that are statutorily subject to [[audit]] by the State Comptroller, including government ministries, local authorities, state enterprises and institutions and government companies, as well as their employees.{{cite web|url=http://www.mevaker.gov.il/serve/site/english/eombuds-intro.asp|title=Israeli State Comptroller website|access-date=19 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131001143222/http://@www.mevaker.gov.il/serve/site/english/eombuds-intro.asp|archive-date=1 October 2013|url-status=dead}} [255] => [256] => ===Italy=== [257] => There is no generic national ombudsman office, but by Law no. 112 of 12 July 2011, an [[Children's Ombudsman#Italy|Ombudsman for childhood and adolescence]] was set up as an independent institute. Many units of sub-national government ([[region]]s, [[province]]s and [[comune|communes]]) have their own ombudsman ({{lang-it|difensore civico}}), who are elected by regional, provincial or communal councils. [258] => [259] => ===Jamaica=== [260] => The Office of the Public Defender was created in 2000 by the Public Defender Act 1999, replacing the Office of the Parliamentary Ombudsman of [[Jamaica]] which had existed since 1978. The Public Defender (currently Earl Witter) has the typical ombudsman function of investigating and remedying maladministration, with additional jurisdiction to investigate alleged violations of constitutional rights.{{cite web|url=http://www.opd.gov.jm|title=The Office of the Public Defender of Jamaica|website=www.opd.gov.jm|access-date=19 May 2017}} [261] => [262] => ===Kazakhstan=== [263] => The Commissioner for Human Rights ({{lang-kk|Адам құқықтары жөніндегі Уәкіл}}), or National Ombudsman of the Republic of [[Kazakhstan]], is [[Askar Shakirov]], appointed in 2007.{{cite web|url=http://www.ombudsman.kz/en/about/ombudsman.php|title=Kazakh Ombudsman website|access-date=19 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170510070410/http://www.ombudsman.kz/en/about/ombudsman.php|archive-date=10 May 2017|url-status=dead}} The office was created by [[President of Kazakhstan|presidential]] decree{{cite web|url=http://www.ombudsman.kz/en/about/commissioner_%20for_%20human_%20Rights.php|title=Kazakhstan presidential decree creating Ombudsman|access-date=19 May 2017|archive-date=10 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170510070450/http://www.ombudsman.kz/en/about/commissioner_%20for_%20human_%20Rights.php|url-status=dead}} in 2002 as a national human rights institution, with support from the [[Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe|OSCE]].{{cite web|url=http://www.ombudsman.kz/en/about/history.php|title=Kazakh Ombudsman history page|access-date=19 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180417164242/http://www.ombudsman.kz/en/about/history.php|archive-date=17 April 2018|url-status=dead}} [264] => [265] => In 2021, the lower house of Kazakhstan's Parliament, known as the Majilis, adopted a draft law on the Ombudsperson for Human Rights in the country. They also adopted legislative amendments to define the level of legal status of the Ombudsperson and the principles of their role.{{Cite web|last=October 2021|first=Assel Satubaldina in Nation on 29|date=2021-10-29|title=Kazakhstan's Majilis Adopts Draft Law on Human Rights to Strengthen Role of Ombudsperson|url=https://astanatimes.com/2021/10/kazakhstans-majilis-adopts-draft-law-on-human-rights-to-strengthen-role-of-ombudsperson/|access-date=2021-12-10|website=The Astana Times|language=en}} [266] => [267] => ===Kenya=== [268] => The Commission on Administrative Justice was established by the Commission on Administrative Justice Act 2011(hereafter referred to as the Act) pursuant to Article 59 (4) of the [[Constitution of Kenya]]. CAJ is a Commission within the meaning of chapter 15 of the constitution and has the status and powers of a commission under that chapter.{{cite web|url=http://www.ombudsman.go.ke/Home.aspx|title=Kenyan Ombudsman website|website=ombudsman.go.ke|access-date=23 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121030055533/http://www.ombudsman.go.ke/Home.aspx|archive-date=30 October 2012|url-status=dead}} [269] => [270] => ===Kosovo=== [271] => The Ombudsperson Institution in Kosovo (OIK) accepts and investigates complaints of human rights violations or abuses of authority by any public authority in Kosovo. The institution is currently led by Ombudsperson Sami Kurteshi, a former opposition activist, political prisoner and human rights activist, who was elected to the post by the [[Assembly of Kosovo]] on 4 June 2009. In October 2011 the Assembly elected five deputy Ombudspersons: Isa Hasani, Bogoljub Staletovic [from the Serb community], Shqipe Malaj-Ibra, Ibrahim Arslan (from the Turkish community) and Basri Berisha. [272] => [273] => The first Ombudsperson, Marek Antoni Nowicki, was appointed in July 2000 by the then Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General (SRSG), [[Bernard Kouchner]]; Nowicki's appointment was renewed in 2002, 2004 and 2005 by subsequent SRSGs [[Michael Steiner]], [[Harri Holkeri]] and [[Søren Jessen-Petersen]]. With effect from 1 January 2006 Jessen-Petersen appointed a Kosovar lawyer, Hilmi Jashari, as Acting Ombudsperson and he remained in post until Kurteshi took office. [274] => [275] => The OIK has several offices throughout Kosovo, and participates (although not yet accredited) in the global network of [[national human rights institutions]], as well as in the European ombudsman network.{{cite web|url=http://www.ombudspersonkosovo.org/|title=Ballina - Avokati i Popullit|first=Avokati i|last=Popullit|access-date=19 May 2017|archive-date=3 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140103151900/http://www.ombudspersonkosovo.org/|url-status=dead}} [276] => [277] => ===Kyrgyz Republic=== [278] => The Ombudsman of the [[Kyrgyzstan|Kyrgyz Republic]] ({{lang-ky|Акыйкатчы}}, {{Lang|ky-latn|Akyikatchy}}) carry out parliamentary control over the observance of the rights and freedoms of man and citizen.{{cite web|title=Ombudsman of the Kyrgyz Republic|url=http://ombudsman.kg/|publisher=Ombudsman of the Kyrgyz Republic|access-date=26 July 2014}} [279] => [280] => ===Latvia=== [281] => Since 2007, the [[Latvia]]n ombudsman is a personalized institution literally called Rights Defender ({{lang-lv|Tiesībsargs}}). The current Ombudsman since 2011 is Juris Jansons.{{Cite web|title=Ombudsman|url=https://www.tiesibsargs.lv/en/pages/about-us/tiesibsarga-institucija|access-date=2021-02-25|website=LR Tiesībsargs|language=lv|archive-date=27 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210127140436/https://www.tiesibsargs.lv/en/pages/about-us/tiesibsarga-institucija|url-status=dead}} Previously, similar functions were carried by National Human Rights Office ({{Lang-lv|Valsts cilvēktiesību birojs}}, 1995–2006).{{Cite web|title=Tiesībsargs|url=https://www.tiesibsargs.lv/lv/pages/par-mums/tiesibsarga-institucija|access-date=2021-02-25|website=LR Tiesībsargs|language=lv}} [282] => [283] => ===Lithuania=== [284] => {{Unreferenced section|date=May 2022}} [285] => In [[Lithuania]], the nearest equivalent to the position of ombudsman is that of Parliamentary Controller ({{lang-lt|Seimo kontrolierius}}), an office appointed by the [[Seimas]] (Parliament of Lithuania). [286] => [287] => There is also a [[Children's Ombudsman#Lithuania|children's ombudsman]]. [288] => [289] => ===Malta=== [290] => {{Unreferenced section|date=May 2022}} [291] => Since 1995, [[Malta]] has a Commissioner for Administrative Investigations known as the Ombudsman. The Office of the Ombudsman is a constitutional body established by the [[Constitution of Malta]] and is regulated by the Ombudsman Act. The Ombudsman may investigate, ''[[suo motu]]'' or on foot of a complaint, the actions of State bodies or other public entities. In Malta, the Ombudsman is also an Officer of Parliament and is appointed by the [[House of Representatives of Malta]] through a resolution supported by votes of not less than two-thirds of all members of the House. The Ombudsman may be assisted by other Commissioners appointed for specialised areas in accordance to the law. The recommendations issued by the Maltese Office of the Ombudsman are not binding legally but do have a persuasive value. [292] => [293] => ===Mexico=== [294] => [[National Human Rights Commission (Mexico)]] [295] => [296] => On 13 February 1989 the Interior Ministry [[Secretariat of the Interior]] created the "General Human Rights Department" as a wholly dependent office within the ministry's structure. On 6 June 1990, by presidential decree, the General Human Rights Department was renamed the "National Human Rights Commission" and gained full autonomy from its parent ministry. [297] => [298] => It was not until 1990, after some constitutional reforms, that the National Human Rights Commission became fully independent of the government. [299] => [300] => The (in 2022) current president (ombudsman) is [[Rosario Piedra Ibarra|María del Rosario Piedra Ibarra]]{{Cite web |title=Antecendentes {{!}} Comisión Nacional de los Derechos Humanos - México |url=https://www.cndh.org.mx/cndh/antecendentes |access-date=19 September 2022 |website=www.cndh.org.mx | language=es}} [301] => [302] => ===Moldova=== [303] => There have been officials with ombudsperson functions in the Republic of [[Moldova]] at least since 1998, but with some differences in the names of the offices and contexts.{{cite news|url=http://ombudsman.md/en/despre/prezentare-generala/scurt-istoric/|title=General presentation: History|newspaper=Ombudsman |access-date=13 November 2021}} Since 2014, the ombudsperson is named the People's Advocate (Ombudsman) ({{lang-ro|Avocatul Poporului (Ombudsman)}}, and together with a General Secretary and the Children's Advocate is heading an office involving 65 persons, including representatives for four autonomous regions.{{cite web|url=http://ombudsman.md/en/transparenta/structura/|title=Organizational Structure|date=20 May 2021 |access-date=13 November 2021}} People's Advocate since 24 September 2021 is [[Natalia Moloșag]],{{cite web|url=http://ombudsman.md/en/news/natalia-molosag-noul-avocat-al-poporului/|title=Natalia Moloșag – the new appointed People's Advocate|date=24 September 2021 |access-date=13 November 2021}} and Children's Advocate (formally: People's Advocate for Child's Rights, ({{lang-ro|Avocatul Poporului pentru drepturile copilului}}), since 8 April 2016 is [[Maia Bănărescu]].{{cite web|url=http://ombudsman.md/en/despre/avocatul-poporului-pentru-drepturile-copilului/|title=People's Advocate for Child's Rights|access-date=13 November 2021}} [304] => [305] => === Nepal === [306] => In the [[Nepal]]ese context there are mainly two organizations working as 'Ombudsman type' organization. The [[Constitution of Nepal]] (2015) has continued the establishment of the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority{{Cite web|url=http://ciaa.gov.np/|title=अख्तियार दुरूपयोग अनुसन्धान आयोग {{!}} नेपाल|website=ciaa.gov.np|language=en|access-date=2019-08-12}} as a powerful body against corruption prevention. Earlier, by the second amendment of the Constitution of The [[Kingdom of Nepal]] in 1975 established an Ombudsmen type Corruption Prevention Commission with a wide role of corruption investigation, adjudication and prosecution. Yet, another institution against corruption vigilance [https://www.nvc.gov.np/ National Vigilance Center (NVC)] (Nepali: राष्ट्रिय सतर्कता केन्द्र) is established{{Cite web|url=http://nvc.gov.np/|title=NVC - Home|website=nvc.gov.np|access-date=2019-08-12}} and NVC works under the direct supervision of the [[Prime Minister of Nepal|Prime Minister]]. [307] => [308] => === Netherlands === [309] => Article 78 of the [[Constitution of the Netherlands]], as revised in 1983, established an office of [[National Ombudsman]]. The Ombudsman may investigate, ''[[suo motu]]'' or on foot of a complaint, the actions of State bodies or other public entities. The ombudsman and deputy are appointed by the House of Representatives for a fixed period or until reaching retirement age. The office includes a [[Children's Ombudsman#Netherlands|children's ombudsman]]. [310] => [311] => ===New Zealand=== [312] => {{main|Office of the Ombudsman (New Zealand)}} [313] => The post of [[New Zealand Chief Ombudsman|Ombudsman]] was established in New Zealand in 1962, to investigate complaints against central and local government agenices. In 1975 the post was expanded, with a Chief Ombudsman and several other ombudsmen.{{cite web|url=http://www.ombudsmen.govt.nz/|title=Home - Office of the Ombudsman|website=www.ombudsmen.govt.nz|access-date=19 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070701222533/http://www.ombudsmen.govt.nz/|archive-date=1 July 2007|url-status=dead}} [314] => [315] => The Ombudsman's role in New Zealand is to protect the rights of citizens across various sectors, most notably to request official information that central and local government hold through the [[Official Information Act 1982]] and the [[Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987|Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act]]. It investigates complaints on perceived breaching of official information law, ensuring that the law is upheld and that departments are kept fully accountable. When investigating matters of Official Information, the Ombudsman scrutinizes public institutions which includes (as outlined by Schedule 1 of the Ombudsmen Act 1975): [316] => [317] => * [[Cabinet of New Zealand|ministers of the crown]] [318] => * [[List of public sector organisations in New Zealand|government departments and ministries]] [319] => * [[Crown Entities Act 2004|crown entities]] and [[List of state-owned enterprises of New Zealand|state owned enterprises]] [320] => * [[Te Whatu Ora]] ''(Health New Zealand)'' [321] => * [[List of universities in New Zealand|tertiary education institutions]] and school boards of trustees{{Cite web |date=2021-05-06 |title=Your ability to request official information {{!}} Ombudsman New Zealand |url=https://www.ombudsman.parliament.nz/what-ombudsman-can-help/requests-official-information/your-ability-request-official-information |access-date=2023-10-01 |website=www.ombudsman.parliament.nz |language=en}} [322] => [323] => The Ombudsman also assists the public on matters of upholding legislative rights. The Ombudsman performs duties assisting individuals and groups such as disclosures about serious wrongdoing in workplaces, upholding fair treatment for disabled people, and monitoring places of detention.{{Cite web |date=2020-09-15 |title=What the Ombudsman does {{!}} Ombudsman New Zealand |url=https://www.ombudsman.parliament.nz/about-ombudsman/what-ombudsman-does |access-date=2023-10-01 |website=www.ombudsman.parliament.nz |language=en}} [324] => [325] => New Zealand also has three industry ombudsmen – the New Zealand Banking Ombudsman, the Insurance and Savings Ombudsman, and the Electricity and Gas Complaints Commissioner. [326] => [327] => ===North Macedonia=== [328] => Since 1997 [[North Macedonia]] has an Ombudsman for protection of citizens rights ([[Macedonian language|Macedonian]]: {{Lang|mk-latn|Naroden pravobranitel}}). The ombudsman is appointed by the [[Assembly of North Macedonia|Parliament]] and performs her or his work under the [[Constitution of North Macedonia|Constitution]] and the Law of the Ombudsman.{{cite web|url=http://www.ombudsman.mk/default.aspx?Lan=EN|title=Macedonian ombudsman website|access-date=19 May 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070208101715/http://www.ombudsman.mk/default.aspx?Lan=EN|archive-date=8 February 2007}} [329] => [330] => ===Norway=== [331] => * The [[Gender Equality and Anti-Discrimination Ombud]] ({{lang-no|Likestillings- og diskrimineringsombudet}}) was established in 1978 as the Gender Equality Ombud ({{Lang|no|Likestillingsombudet}}), the first of its kind in the world. In 2006, the Ombud was reorganised to include discrimination in general. The Ombud's task is to enforce the Norwegian Gender Equality Act and the act relating to prohibition of discrimination on the basis of ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, skin colour, language, religious and ethical orientation, and sexual orientation (Discrimination Act). The Ombud is also tasked with enforcing the anti-discrimination regulations in the Working Environment Act. The mandate of the Ombud also includes to actively promote equality for discriminated groups, and to develop new knowledge through documentation and monitoring. [332] => * The [[Norwegian Parliamentary Ombud]] ({{Lang|no|Sivilombudet}}) investigates complaints from citizens or may take up issues on its own initiative: complaints from citizens concerning injustice or maladministration from central government or local authorities. [333] => * The [[Parliamentary Ombudsman for the Norwegian Armed Forces]] (''Ombodsmannen for Forsvaret/''{{Lang|no|Ombudsmannen for Forsvaret}}) shall safeguard the rights of all members and former members of the Armed Forces as well as contribute to an effective military defence. Anyone who feels that they have been wrongly, unjustly or unreasonably treated can bring their case before the Ombudsman and request an investigation of the matter to determine whether an injustice has been done, and to secure any appropriate corrective action. Issues and circumstances arising before, during or after military service can be brought to the attention of the Ombudsman. [334] => * The [[Children's Ombudsman#Norway|Ombudsman for Children]] ({{Lang|no|Barneombudet}}) has statutory rights to protect children and their rights. Since 1981, the Ombudsman for Children in Norway has worked continuously to improve national and international legislation affecting children's welfare. Norway was the first country in the world to establish an ombudsman for children. [335] => * There is also an ombudsman for consumer affairs; see [[Norwegian Consumer Ombudsman]]. [336] => * Local and regional authorities often have ombudsmen. Examples of this are ombudsmen for health and social affairs, ombudsmen for the elderly and ombudsmen for school students and apprentices at the upper secondary level.{{cite web|url=http://www.ombudet.no|title=Pasient- og brukerombudet i Oslo og Akershus og Sosial- og eldreombudet i Oslo|access-date=19 May 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://www.sovo.no/|title=Sovo.no|website=sovo.no|access-date=19 May 2017|archive-date=11 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170511212121/https://sovo.no/|url-status=dead}} [337] => [338] => ===Pakistan=== [339] => In [[Pakistan]], the establishment of an ombudsman institution had been advocated for some time before Article 276 of the Interim Constitution of 1972 provided for the appointment of a Federal Ombudsman and Provincial Ombudsmen. The Constitution of 1973 also provided for same and the institution of [[Wafaqi Mohtasib]] was eventually created through the ''Establishment of the Office of {{Lang|ur-latn|Wafaqi Mohtasib}} (Ombudsman) Order, 1983'' (President's Order No. 1 of 1983), which is now a part of the [[Constitution of Pakistan]] by virtue of Article 270-A. It started functioning on 8 August 1983. The office of Federal Ombudsman is currently held by Salman Farooqi.{{cite web|url=http://www.mohtasib.gov.pk|title=FOCAL PERSONS/LIAISON OFFICERS APPOINTED IN FEDERAL DEPARTMENTS|website=www.mohtasib.gov.pk|access-date=19 May 2017}} The Ombudsman has headquarters in Islamabad and Regional Offices in [[Lahore]], [[Sukkur]], [[Quetta]], [[Faisalabad]], [[Multan]], [[Dera Ismail Khan]], [[Peshawar]] and [[Karachi]], [[Abbottabad]]. [340] => [341] => Other ombudsman agencies in Pakistan include Provincial Ombudsman ({{Lang|ur-latn|Mohtasib-e-Aala}}) with offices in [[Punjab, Pakistan|Punjab]],{{cite web|url=http://www.ombudsmanpunjab.gov.pk/|title=Ombudsman (Mohtasib) Punjab, Pakistan|website=www.ombudsmanpunjab.gov.pk|access-date=19 May 2017}} [[Balochistan]], [[Khyber Pakhtunkhwa]] and [[Sindh]];{{cite web|url=http://www.mohtasibsindh.gov.pk/|title=Provincial Mohtasib (Ombudsman) Sindh|website=www.mohtasibsindh.gov.pk|access-date=19 May 2017}} a banking ombudsman, the Banking Mohtasib Pakistan;{{cite web|url=http://www.bankingmohtasib.gov.pk|title=.::: Welcome to Pakistan Banking Mohtasib :::. "Copyright By TECHOMAN Solutions"|website=www.bankingmohtasib.gov.pk|access-date=19 May 2017}} a Federal Insurance Ombudsman and a [[Federal Tax Ombudsman (Pakistan)|Federal Tax Ombudsman]].{{cite web|url=http://www.fto.gov.pk|title=Welcome to Federal Tax Ombudsman Pakistan |website=www.fto.gov.pk|access-date=19 May 2017}} The autonomous region of [[Azad Jammu and Kashmir]] also has an ombudsman office, the AJK Mohtasib. Under the ''Protection of Women against Harassment at Workplace Act 2010'', Musarrat Hilali was appointed in the same year to be the first [[Federal Ombudsman Secretariat for Protection Against Harassment|Federal Ombudsperson for Protection of Women against Harassment at Workplace]]. The Act provides for similar offices at the provincial level. [342] => [343] => The various ombudsman agencies participate in a Forum of Pakistan Ombudsman (FPO), and the federal bodies are affiliated to the Asian Ombudsman Association (AOA) and the [[International Ombudsman Institute]] (IOI). [344] => [345] => ===Peru=== [346] => The [[Peru]]vian ombudsman agency is the [[Peruvian ombudsman|Public Defender]] ({{lang-es|Defensoría del Pueblo}}).{{cite web|url=http://www.defensoria.gob.pe|title=.. Defensoría del Pueblo ..|website=www.defensoria.gob.pe|access-date=19 May 2017}} The functions of the institution, which was envisaged by the [[Constitution of Peru|1993 Constitution]] and was created in 1996, include combating maladministration, human rights violations and discrimination. It has 36 offices throughout the country.{{cite web|url=http://www.crise.ox.ac.uk/copy/Oxford%20Policy%20Conference/peruvian%20defensoria.pdf|title=Oxford University research paper on Peruvian Defensoría|access-date=19 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120316154906/http://www.crise.ox.ac.uk/copy/Oxford%20Policy%20Conference/peruvian%20defensoria.pdf|archive-date=16 March 2012|url-status=dead}} The current {{Lang|es|Defensora}} (ombudsman), [[Beatriz Merino]], was elected by Congress on 29 September 2005 for a five-year term. The {{Lang|es|Defensoría}} is accredited with 'A' status as the [[national human rights institutions|national human rights institution]].{{cite web|url=http://www.nhri.net/NationalData.asp?ID=119|title=NHRI Forum website|access-date=19 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928204535/http://www.nhri.net/NationalData.asp?ID=119|archive-date=28 September 2011|url-status=dead}} There is also a specialised [[Law enforcement in Peru|Police]] Ombudsman ({{Lang|es|Defensoría de la Policia}}). [347] => [348] => ===Philippines=== [349] => The [[Ombudsman of the Philippines|Office of the Ombudsman of the Philippines]] is empowered by the [[1987 Constitution]] to safeguard both the government and government-owned corporations from corruption and dispense justice in the case of such offenses.{{cite web|url=http://www.ombudsman.gov.ph/|title=Office of the Ombudsman|first=OMB MIS Service (System Development|last=Division)|website=www.ombudsman.gov.ph|access-date=19 May 2017}} [350] => [351] => ==== The Permanent Commission ==== [352] => In the Philippines, the Permanent Commission in the Revolutionary Government may be considered a precursor of the present Office of the Ombudsman. Article 21 of the Decree of June 23, 1898 creating the Revolutionary Government of the Philippines provided for a Permanent Commission, presided over by the Vice President, that shall decide on appeal all criminal cases decided by provincial councils. These cases were those filed against Department Secretaries and provincial and municipal officials. [353] => [354] => The Permanent Commission continued its existence after the ratification of the Constitution of 1899, popularly known as the Malolos Constitution. Under No. 1, Article 55 of said Constitution, one of the powers of the Commission was to "declare if there is sufficient cause to proceed against the President of the Republic, the Representatives, Department Secretaries, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and the Solicitor General in the cases provided by the Constitution. [355] => [356] => ==== In previous administrations ==== [357] => Succeeding administrations likewise provided for the creation of agencies to handle cases of corruption in the government service. An Integrity Board was created by President Quirino in 1950. President Magsaysay immediately upon assumption to office created the Presidential Complaints and Action Commission in 1957. President Garcia created the Presidential Committee on Administration Performance Efficiency in 1958 and President Macapagal created a Presidential Anti-Graft Committee in 1962. President Marcos in 1966 created a Presidential Agency on Reforms and Government Operations. [358] => [359] => In 1969, the Office of the Citizen's Counselor was created by Republic Act No. 6028. However, like the previous agencies created by past administrations, the functions of the Citizen's counselor were mainly to conduct fact-finding investigations and to make recommendations to Congress and the President. Moreover, RA No. 6028 was not at all implemented. Subsequently, President Marcos created a Complaints and Investigation Office in 1970 and the Presidential Administrative Assistance Committee in the following year. [360] => [361] => ==== The Tanodbayan ==== [362] => The 1973 Constitution (Sections 5 and 6, Article XIII) provided for the establishment of a special court known as the Sandiganbayan and an Office of the Ombudsman known as the Tanodbayan. Presidential Decree Nos. 1486 and 1487 created the Sandiganbayan and Tanodbayan, respectively, on 11 June 1978. Subsequent amendments were made to both decrees. [363] => [364] => The Tanodbayan shall receive and investigate complaints relative to public office, including those in government-owned or controlled corporations, make appropriate recommendations, and in appropriate cases, file and prosecute criminal, civil or administrative cases before the proper court or body. On the other hand, the Sandiganbayan shall have jurisdiction over criminal and civil cases involving graft and corrupt practices and such other offenses committed by public officers and employees, including those in government-owned or controlled corporations. [365] => [366] => ==== At present ==== [367] => The framers of the 1987 Constitution envisioned the Ombudsman as an official critic who studies the laws, procedures and practices in government, a mobilizer who ensures that the steady flow of services is accorded the citizens, and a watchdog who looks at the general and specific performance of all government officials and employees. (cf. Journal No. 40, 26 July 1986, p. 432). To further strengthen and insulate the Office of the Ombudsman from politics and pressure forces, the Constitution made it a fiscally autonomous body, (cf. Sec. 14, Art. XI, 1987 Constitution) independent from any other branch of government, and headed by an Ombudsman with a fixed term of seven years, who could be removed from office only by way of impeachment. (cf. Sec. 2, Art. XI, 1987 Constitution). The Ombudsman and his Deputies enjoy the rank of Chairman and members, respectively, of a Constitutional Commission whose appointments require no Congressional confirmation. (cf. Secs. 9 and 10, Art. XI, 1987 Constitution). [368] => [369] => The clear intent is to give full and unimpeded play to the exercise by said Office of its extraordinary range of oversight and investigative authority over the actions of all public officials and employees, offices and agencies. Not only can it investigate on its own or on complaint any official act or omission that appears to be illegal, unjust, improper or inefficient; it can prod officials into performing or expediting any act or duty required by law; stop, prevent and control any abuse or impropriety in the performance of such duties; require the submission of documents relative to contracts, disbursements, and financial transactions of government officials for the purpose of ferreting out any irregularities therein. (cf. Sec. 13, Art. XI, 1987 Constitution). The conferment of this extensive authority is prefaced in the Constitution with the bestowal upon the Ombudsman and his deputies of the appealing title of "Protectors of the People" (cf. Sec. 12, Art. XI). [370] => [371] => On 24 July 1987, Executive Order No. 243 was issued by President Corazon C. Aquino declaring the effectivity of the creation of the Office and restating its composition, powers and functions. On 12 May 1988, the Office of the Ombudsman became operational upon the appointment of the Ombudsman and his Overall Deputy Ombudsman. Immediately thereafter, one Deputy Ombudsman each for Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao were likewise appointed by the President. This date became the basis for celebrating the anniversary of the Office of the Ombudsman. [372] => [373] => On 17 November 1989 the Congress enacted Republic Act No. 6770, otherwise known as the Ombudsman Act of 1989, providing for the functional and structural organization of the Office of the Ombudsman and delineating its powers functions and duties. Indeed, Congress, in enacting Republic Act 6770, sought to have an Ombudsman who would be an effective and an activist watchman vesting the Ombudsman with adequate authority that would prevent the Ombudsman from being a "toothless tiger". (cf. Journal, Session No. 15, 17 August 1988) [374] => [375] => ===Poland=== [376] => The [[Polish Ombudsman]] is called the {{Lang|pl|Rzecznik Praw Obywatelskich}}, usually translated as the Commissioner for Protection of Civil Rights, or Commissioner for Human Rights. The office also functions as the [[National human rights institutions|national human rights institution]], and is accredited with A status by the [[International Co-ordinating Committee of National Human Rights Institutions|ICC]]. The holder of the office from 2006, [[Janusz Kochanowski|Dr Janusz Bogumił Kochanowski]], died in the April 2010 [[2010 Polish Air Force Tu-154 crash|Smolensk air disaster]]. He was succeeded by Irena Lipowicz. Since 2015, this position was held by [[Adam Bodnar]], but on 15 April 2021 the pro-government Constitutional Tribunal forced him out of office, although then no replacement had been appointed.{{cite web |title=Poland court rules ombudsman must leave office at term end |url=https://www.startribune.com/poland-court-rules-ombudsman-must-leave-office-at-term-end/600046164/ |website=StarTribune |access-date=15 April 2021 |archive-date=15 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210415120413/https://www.startribune.com/poland-court-rules-ombudsman-must-leave-office-at-term-end/600046164/ |url-status=dead }} However, after some time, [[Marcin Wiącek]][[:pl:Marcin Wiącek|(pl)]] was appointed new ombudsman. [377] => [378] => ===Portugal=== [379] => The Portuguese Ombudsman is called the ''{{Ill|Provedor de Justiça|pt|Provedor de Justiça (Portugal)}}''{{cite web|url=http://www.provedor-jus.pt/|title=Provedor de Justiça - Na Defesa do Cidadão: Perceber para prover|website=www.provedor-jus.pt|access-date=19 May 2017}} (lit. "''Proveditor of Justice''"), and its role is defined in article 23 of the [[Constitution of Portugal]]: [380] => [381] => {{blockquote|1. Citizens may submit complaints against actions or omissions by the public authorities to the Ombudsman, who shall assess them without the power to take decisions and shall send the competent bodies such recommendations as may be necessary in order to prevent or make good any injustices. [382] => [383] => 2. The Ombudsman's work shall be independent of any acts of grace or legal remedies provided for in this Constitution or the law. [384] => [385] => 3. The Ombudsman's office shall be an independent body and the [[Assembly of the Republic (Portugal)|Assembly of the Republic]] shall appoint the Ombudsman for such time as the law may determine. [386] => [387] => 4. The bodies and agents of the Public Administration shall cooperate with the Ombudsman in the fulfilment of his mission.}} [388] => [389] => Besides the traditional routes, complaints can be filed online{{Cite web |url=http://www.provedor-jus.pt/queixa.htm |title=Provedor de Justiça |access-date=17 July 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070115071838/http://www.provedor-jus.pt/queixa.htm |archive-date=15 January 2007 |url-status=dead }} and there are [[Toll-free telephone number|toll-free]] lines for children and one for [[Old age|senior citizens]]. The first Ombudsman was Manuel da Costa Brás (Tenente-Coronel, Lieutenant Colonel).{{cite web|url=http://www.provedor-jus.pt/?idc=117|title=O Provedor de Justiça em Portugal|website=www.provedor-jus.pt|access-date=25 September 2018}} [390] => [391] => ===Romania=== [392] => {{main|Romanian Ombudsman}} [393] => The ombudsman office is the People's Advocate ({{lang-ro|Avocatul Poporului}}). Since 26 June 2019, the current ombudsman is [[Renate Weber|Renate Webber]],{{Cite web|url=http://www.avp.ro/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=59&Itemid=162&lang=ro-ro|title=Avocatul Poporului|website=www.avp.ro|access-date=2019-09-03}} preceded by [[Victor Ciorbea]] since 15 April 2014.{{cite web | url=http://www.avp.ro/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=62&Itemid=64&lang=ro | title=Prezentare Avocatul Poporului | access-date=16 February 2013}} [394] => [395] => ===Russia=== [396] => The Russian Federation's [[Commissioner for Human Rights (Russia)|Commissioner for Human Rights]] (ombudsman, {{Lang-ru|Уполномоченный по правам человека}}) position is held by [[Tatyana Moskalkova]] {{as of|2010|lc=yes}}. The Commissioner is appointed for a fixed term by the [[State Duma|Parliament]]. The ombudsman cannot be dismissed before the end of their term, and is not subordinate to any body of power, including the [[President of Russia|President]] or the [[Government of Russia|Government]].{{cite web|url=http://www.ombudsman.gov.ru/institut/institut.shtml|title=Institute of the Commissioner for Human Rights (in Russian)|access-date=19 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100327142055/http://ombudsman.gov.ru/institut/institut.shtml|archive-date=27 March 2010|url-status=dead}} [397] => [398] => Russia's 83 administrative regions have the right to elect a local ombudsman whose authority is limited to that region. Fewer than half had done so {{as of|2014|lc=yes}}.{{cite web|url=http://www.sptimes.ru/index.php?action_id=2&story_id=30107|title=The Moscow Times — News, Business, Culture & Events|website=www.sptimes.ru|access-date=19 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140301114815/http://www.sptimes.ru/index.php?action_id=2&story_id=30107|archive-date=1 March 2014|url-status=dead}} [399] => [400] => There is also a [[Children's Ombudsman#Russia|Children's Rights Commissioner]] post, appointed by the President. The post was held by [[Anna Kuznetsova]] from 2016 to 2021.{{citation needed|date=March 2022}} [401] => [402] => In June 2012, [[Vladimir Putin]] signed the Executive Order on the Presidential Commissioner for Entrepreneurs' Rights, appointing [[Boris Titov]] to the position.{{cite web|url=http://eng.news.kremlin.ru/news/4067|title=Executive Order appointing Ombudsman for Entrepreneurs' Rights|access-date=19 May 2017|date=2012-06-22|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130417042631/http://eng.news.kremlin.ru/news/4067|archive-date=17 April 2013}} [403] => [404] => ===Serbia=== [405] => In Serbia, the [[Serbian Ombudsman|Protector of Citizens of the Republic of Serbia]]{{cite web|url=http://www.zastitnik.rs/|title=Почетна|website=www.zastitnik.rs|access-date=19 May 2017}} (Ombudsman) is an independent state authority, mandated to protect human rights and freedoms. It was introduced into the legal system in 2005 by the Law on Ombudsman and confirmed by the [[Constitution of Serbia]] in 2006. Ombudsman is elected by the [[National Assembly (Serbia)|National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia]]{{cite web |url=http://www.parlament.gov.rs/content/eng/index.asp |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110311183514/http://www.parlament.gov.rs/content/eng/index.asp |archive-date=2011-03-11 |website=www.parlament.gov.rs |title=Parliament of the Republic of Serbia}} for a five-year-term and is accountable to the Assembly for his work. The Ombudsman enjoys the same immunity as a member of the parliament. [406] => [407] => The first Serbian Ombudsman, [[Saša Janković]],{{Cite web |url=http://www.ombudsman.rs/index.php/lang-sr/o-nama/zastitnik-gradjana |title=Заштитник грађана |access-date=29 October 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101026213107/http://www.ombudsman.rs/index.php/lang-sr/o-nama/zastitnik-gradjana |archive-date=26 October 2010 |url-status=dead }} was elected by the National Assembly in July 2007. He has four deputies,{{Cite web |url=http://www.ombudsman.rs/index.php/lang-sr/o-nama/zamenici-zastitnika-gradjana |title=Заменици заштитника грађана |access-date=29 October 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150425153337/http://www.ombudsman.rs/index.php/lang-sr/o-nama/zamenici-zastitnika-gradjana |archive-date=25 April 2015 |url-status=dead }} who are specialized in several fields, especially the protection of rights of persons deprived of liberty, gender equality, children rights, minority rights and rights of people with disabilities. [408] => [409] => The Ombudsman has competence to oversee the work of government agencies, the bodies authorized for legal protection of property rights and interests of the Republic of Serbia and other bodies and organizations, enterprises and institutions which have been delegated public authority. He has no jurisdiction over the National Assembly, the [[President of Serbia|President]], the [[Government of Serbia|Government]], the [[Constitutional Court of Serbia|Constitutional Court]], courts and Public Prosecutor's Office. The Ombudsman initiates proceedings following the complaint of a citizen or on his own initiative. State administration bodies are legally obliged to cooperate with the Ombudsman and to provide him access to their premises and all data in their possession, regardless of the degree of secrecy, when of interest to the investigation in process or the Ombudsman's preventive actions. As a result of an investigation, the Ombudsman may recommend dismissal of an official considered responsible for violation of the rights of citizens, may initiate disciplinary procedures against public administration employees, and may require initiation of penal, offence or other adequate procedure. [410] => [411] => The Ombudsman can also act preemptively, by offering advice and opinion on issues within his competence, to enhance the operation of the administration authorities and strengthen the protection of human liberties and rights. The Ombudsman is entitled to propose laws within its scope of competence, give opinions to the Government and the National Assembly on regulations under preparation and address the Constitutional Court to challenge the constitutionality of laws. [412] => [413] => The Ombudsman provides the National Assembly with an annual report on his work and findings as well as with other special reports. [414] => [415] => The Ombudsman has full membership in the [[European Ombudsman Institute]]{{cite web|url=http://www.eoi.at/|title=EUROPÄISCHES OMBUDSMANN INSTITUT -|website=www.eoi.at|access-date=19 May 2017}} (EOI), the [[International Ombudsman Association]]{{cite web|url=http://www.ombudsassociation.org/|title=The International Ombudsman Association - Home|website=www.ombudsassociation.org|access-date=19 May 2017}} (IOA), the [[European Network of Ombudspersons for Children]]{{Cite web|url=http://enoc.eu/?page_id=2469|title=ENOC Members|website=ENOC|language=en|access-date=2019-12-27|archive-date=27 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191227174512/http://enoc.eu/?page_id=2469|url-status=dead}} (ENOC) and the [[Association of Mediterranean Ombudsmen]]{{Cite web |url=http://www.ombudsman-med.org/eng/ |title=Website of the Association of Mediterranean Ombudsmen |access-date=29 October 2010 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130415120112/http://www.ombudsman-med.org/eng/ |archive-date=15 April 2013 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }} (AOM). In May 2010, it was accredited with 'A' status as the [[National human rights institutions|national human rights institution]]. [416] => [417] => === Slovakia === [418] => The role of ombudsman was established as a result of the Ombudsman Act (564/2001). The National Assembly appoints a candidate to this position with a term of five years and a maximum of two consecutive terms. At a minimum, the ombudsman provides the [[National Council (Slovakia)|National Council]] with an annual report. In case of a severe violation of fundamental rights, or a large number of people affected, the ombudsman can release a special or extraordinary report at any time. This occurred three times between 2013 and 2017, but because of the "opposition background" of the second most recent ombudsman, Judge [[:sk:Jana Dubovcová|Jana Dubovcová]], her concerns were ignored by the assembly majority, many members of parliament were absent during her speeches, and public institutions were allowed to ignore the report, so no actions were actually taken to correct the situation. The most recent ombudsman, lawyer and university teacher [[Mária Patakyová]], was elected in March 2017. [419] => [420] => ===Slovenia=== [421] => [422] => The institution of the Human Rights Ombudsman of the Republic of [[Slovenia]] was introduced into the Slovenian constitutional order through the new [[Constitution of Slovenia|Constitution of the Republic of Slovenia]], which was adopted in December 1991.{{cite web|url=http://www.varuh-rs.si/index.php?L=6|title=Human Rights Ombudsman RS|website=www.varuh-rs.si|access-date=19 May 2017}} The Human Rights Ombudsman is defined in Article 159 of the Constitution, which provides that in order to protect human rights and fundamental freedoms in relation to state authorities, local self-government authorities and bearers of public authority, the office of the Ombudsman for the rights of citizens shall be established by law. [423] => [424] => [http://www.varuh-rs.si/index.php?L=6 The Human Rights Ombudsman of the Republic of Slovenia] is a constitutional category that does not fall under the executive, judicial or legislative branch of authority. The Ombudsman is therefore not part of any mechanism of authority, but rather acts as an overseer of authority since as an institution it restricts its capricious encroachment of human rights and fundamental freedoms. [425] => [426] => The Ombudsman is in his work not only limited to handling direct violations defined as human rights and freedoms in the constitution, moreover, he may act in any case whatsoever dealing with a violation of any right of an individual arising from a holder of authority. He can intervene also in the case if unfair and poor state administration in relation to the individual. If the aforementioned is considered, it can have a significant impact on the development and increase in legal and administrative culture between holders of authority and the individual. [427] => [428] => Human rights ombudsman is in relation towards the state bodies, autonomous and independent agency. [429] => [430] => The Ombudsman can caution violators that they should put right their violation or eliminate irregularities committed, or can even propose compensation. On one's behalf, and with their authorisation, he can lodge with the [[Constitutional Court of Slovenia|Constitutional Court]] a request for assessment of the constitutionality and legality of regulations or official documents, or may submit a constitutional complaint owing to the violation of some right. He may submit to the government or parliament initiatives for the amendment of laws and other regulations. He may also suggest to all bodies that fall within his competence that they improve their dealings and relations with clients. [431] => The Ombudsman may also communicate his opinion to anyone regarding cases that are linked to the violation of rights and freedoms. Here it is not important what kind of procedure is involved, nor the stage of processing it has reached at the body in question. [432] => [433] => The Ombudsman cannot perform work or remove violations or irregularities in place of the specific state body, local community body or holder of public authorisation. Those that committed the violation or irregularity are bound also themselves to putting right the violation or [434] => irregularity. Equally, the Ombudsman cannot deal with cases that are subject to court proceedings, except in exceptional cases. [435] => [436] => ===South Africa=== [437] => {{Main|Chapter nine institutions}} [438] => * [[Public Protector]] [439] => * [[Auditor-General (South Africa)|Auditor-General]] [440] => [441] => ===Spain=== [442] => {{Main|Spanish Ombudsman}} [443] => The national ombudsman of [[Spain]] is the {{Lang|es|Defensor del Pueblo}} (Defender of the People), dealing with complaints of maladministration and having the capacity to bring cases at the [[Constitutional Court (Spain)|Constitutional Court]]. The office is prominent in the international networks of ombudsmen and national human rights institutions, particularly through the Ibero-American Ombudsman Federation (FIO). [444] => [445] => ==== Ombudsmen in the [[Autonomous communities of Spain|autonomous communities]] ==== [446] => There are comparable offices in the [[autonomous communities of Spain]], as follows: [447] => * {{Lang|es|Defensor del Pueblo Andaluz}}{{cite web|url=http://www.defensor-and.es/|title=Defensor del Pueblo Andaluz|website=www.defensor-and.es|access-date=19 May 2017}} ([[Andalusia]]) [448] => * {{Lang|es|[[Justicia de Aragón]]}}{{cite web|url=http://www.eljusticiadearagon.com/|title=El Justicia de Aragón|date=27 February 2007|website=www.eljusticiadearagon.com|access-date=19 May 2017}} ([[Aragon]]) [449] => * {{Lang|eu|Ararteko}} (full name on website: {{Lang|eu|Herriaren Defendatzailea: Ararteko}})[http://www.ararteko.net/ ararteko.net Herriaren Defendatzailea: Ararteko / Defensoría del Pueblo del País Vasco: Ararteko], Basque Country Ombudsman website. (In Basque and Spanish.) ([[Basque Country (autonomous community)|Basque Country]]) [450] => * {{Lang|es|Diputado del Común}}{{cite web|url=http://www.diputadodelcomun.com|title=Diputado del Común - El Defensor del Pueblo de Canarias|first=Daniel Martin|last=Gomez|website=www.diputadodelcomun.com|access-date=19 May 2017}} ([[Canary Islands]]) [451] => * {{Lang|es|Procurador del Común}}{{cite web|url=http://www.procuradordelcomun.org/|title=Procurador del Común|access-date=19 May 2017}} ([[Castile and León]]) [452] => * {{Lang|ca|Síndic de Greuges de Catalunya}}[http://www.sindicgreugescat.org/ Síndic de Greuges] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060408064828/http://sindicgreugescat.org/ |date=8 April 2006 }}, official website of the Ombudsman of Catalonia. In the [[Catalan language]], ''Síndic de Greuges'' (masculine form) or ''Síndica de Greuges'' (feminine form) can be literally translated as "advocate of grievances". ([[Catalonia]]) [453] => * [[:es:Personero del Común|Personero del Común]] ([[Extremadura]]) [454] => * {{Lang|gl|Valedor do Pobo}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.valedordopobo.gal/|title=Valedor do Pobo|language=gl-ES|access-date=2019-06-17}} ([[Galicia (Spain)|Galicia]]) [455] => * {{Lang|ca|Síndic de Greuges de les Illes Balears}}[http://www.parlamentib.es/ca/Divulgacio/Lexico.aspx?letra=S Síndic de Greuges de les Illes Balears / Ombudsman of the Balearic Islands] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130611205833/http://www.parlamentib.es/ca/Divulgacio/Lexico.aspx?letra=S |date=11 June 2013 }}, on the Balearic Islands Parliament website. (In Catalan and Spanish.) Consulted 15 April. On the [[Balearic Islands]], the ombudsman is a High Commissioner of the Parliament. ([[Balearic Islands]]) [456] => * {{Lang|es|Defensor del Pueblo de la Región de Murcia}}{{cite web|url=http://www.defensor-rm.es/|title=Defensor de PYMES y STARTUPS de la Región de Murcia|website=www.defensor-rm.es|access-date=19 May 2017}} ([[Murcia]]) [457] => * {{Lang|es|Defensor del Pueblo de Navarra}}''/''{{Lang|eu|Nafarroako Arartekoa}}[http://www.defensora-navarra.com Defensor del Pueblo de Navarra / Nafarroako Arartekoa]. (In Catalan and Spanish.) ([[Navarre]]) [458] => * {{Lang|ca|Síndic de Greuges de la Comunitat Valenciana}}[http://www.sindicdegreuges.gva.es Síndic de Greuges de la Comunitat Valenciana] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070505082859/http://www.sindicdegreuges.gva.es/ |date=5 May 2007 }}, official website of the Ombudsman of the Valencian Region. (In Catalan and Spanish.). ([[Valencian Community]]) [459] => [460] => See also [[Syndic]] for more uses of the word {{Lang|ca|síndic}} in the [[Catalan language|Catalan]] linguistic area. [461] => [462] => ==== Former ombudsmen in the [[Autonomous communities of Spain|autonomous communities]] ==== [463] => [464] => * {{Lang|es|Procurador General del Principado de Asturias}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.boe.es/boe/dias/2013/10/07/pdfs/BOE-A-2013-10411.pdf|title=Ley 2/2013, de 21 de junio, de supresión del Procurador General.|website=www.boe.es|access-date=2018-12-28}} ([[Asturias]]) [465] => [466] => ===Sweden=== [467] => The office of the [[Parliamentary Ombudsman]] ({{lang-sv|Riksdagens ombudsmän}}, or {{Lang|sv|Justitieombudsmannen}}) was established with the [[Instrument of Government (1809)|Instrument of Government in 1809]], originally under the title of {{Lang|sv|Ombudsmannen för Riksens ständer}}.{{cite web|title=The Office of the Parliamentary Ombudsmen established in 1809|url=http://www.jo.se/en/About-JO/History/|publisher=JO|access-date=25 July 2014}} [468] => [469] => The office was modelled after [[Chancellor of Justice]] ({{lang-sv|Justitiekanslern}}), and according to the principle of [[separation of powers]]. The Chancellor of Justice was installed in 1714 as a proxy for King [[Charles XII of Sweden]], to act as a representative for the Royal Government. Today it acts as an ombudsman, mainly to oversee that Swedish authorities comply with laws on behalf of the [[Government of Sweden|Government]], but also to handle [[indemnity]] claims from persons suffered from imprisonment but later acquitted, or other damages caused by authorities.{{cite web|title=INFORMATION ON THE OFFICE OF THE CHANCELLOR OF JUSTICE|url=http://www.jk.se/sv-SE/Languages/English.aspx|publisher=Chancellor of Justice|access-date=26 July 2014}} [470] => [471] => The [[Parliamentary Ombudsman]] was in turn appointed to represent the parliament; to oversee that all public authorities comply with the laws and decrees. The latter had the specific duty to protect the citizens and as a public attorney prosecute unlawful government or actions by authorities and criticise problematic laws, to ensure equality in the court of law, with inspections and handling of complains. [472] => [473] => With growing attention to discrimination issues in the latter part of the 20th century a number of new anti-discriminatory Ombudsmen was appointed, to later be gathered under one roof, with the establishment of the [[Equality Ombudsman]] ({{lang-sv|Diskrimineringsombudsmannen}}) in 2009.{{cite web|title=About the Equality Ombudsman|url=http://www.do.se/en/About-the-Equality-Ombudsman-/|publisher=do.se|access-date=26 July 2014}} [474] => [475] => The [[Ombudsman for Children in Sweden|Ombudsman for Children]] ({{lang-sv|Barnombudsmannen}}) was established in 1993, and is tasked with matters affecting the rights and interests of children and young people.{{cite web|title=About us|url=http://www.barnombudsmannen.se/english/about-us/|publisher=Barnombudsmannen|access-date=26 July 2014|archive-date=12 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140712133926/http://barnombudsmannen.se/english/about-us/|url-status=dead}} [476] => [477] => The [[Director-General]] of the [[Swedish Consumer Agency]] is the designated Consumer Ombudsman ({{lang-sv|Konsumentombudsmannen}}).{{cite web|title=The Swedish Consumer Agency|url=http://www.konsumentverket.se/otherlanguages/English/|publisher=Konsumentverket|access-date=25 July 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100829004929/http://www.konsumentverket.se/otherlanguages/English/|archive-date=29 August 2010}} [478] => [479] => Non-government appointed entities are the [[Pressombudsmannen]], supervising compliance with the code of ethics of the Swedish printed media industry,{{cite web|url=http://www.po.se/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030401234442/http://www.po.se/|url-status=dead|archive-date=1 April 2003|title=Start|website=www.po.se|access-date=19 May 2017}} and {{Lang|sv|Sameombudsmannen}}, an advocate for the rights of the native [[Sami people|Sami]] minority in Sweden, appointed by the [[Saami Council]] until 1997. [480] => [481] => ===Taiwan=== [482] => Under the [[Constitution of the Republic of China|R.O.C. Constitution]] and its [[Additional Articles of the Constitution of the Republic of China|seventh amendment]], the [[Control Yuan]], one of the five branches of the Taiwanese government, functions as the ombudsman. Other than acting as the auditor of national government and being responsible for impeachment of officials, the Control Yuan investigates petitions and complaints from the general public about government policies and misdeeds committed by officials (both national and regional), and proposes corrective measures. The government agencies in question need to respond to the proposed measures within two months from the date of issue.{{cite act |type= Act|date= 13 November 1992|legislature= [[Legislative Yuan]]|title= 監察法|trans-title= Control Act|url= https://law.moj.gov.tw/ENG/LawClass/LawAll.aspx?pcode=A0030199 |language= zh}} [483] => [484] => The 29 Members of Control Yuan are nominated by the [[President of the Republic of China|President]] and confirmed by the [[Legislative Yuan]] to serve a six-year renewable term. [485] => [486] => In 2020, the National Human Rights Commission was established under the Control Yuan as a [[national human rights institution]] in line with the [[Paris Principles (human rights standards)|Paris Principles]] with power to investigate human rights abuse, to facilitate legislation of human rights protection and to promote human rights education.{{cite web |url= http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2019/12/11/2003727347|title= Human rights committee act passes|author=Sean Lin|date= 2019-12-11|website= taipeitimes.com|publisher= Taipei Times|access-date= 2020-02-19}}{{cite web |url= http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2017/01/17/2003663249|title= National human rights institution to be established|author=|date= 2017-01-17|website= Taipei Times|access-date= 2019-06-13}} [487] => [488] => ===Tajikistan=== [489] => The Office of the Human Rights Ombudsman was established in 2009, and receives support from the [[Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe|OSCE]].{{cite web|url=http://www.osce.org/tajikistan/69103|title=Border management, Afghanistan, energy security, Ombudsman support focus of fourth Task Force Meeting on OSCE and Tajikistan - OSCE|website=[[osce.org]]|access-date=19 May 2017}} The current Ombudsman is Zarif Alizoda, appointed by President [[Emomalii Rahmon]] and approved by [[Supreme Assembly (Tajikistan)|Parliament]] in May 2009. The functions of his office include human rights education, on which it co-operates with other public bodies and NGOs.{{cite web|url=http://www.osce.org/home/71761|title=Statement by the Permanent Mission of Tajikistan Mr. Alizoda Zarif, Ombudsman of Tajikistan - OSCE|website=www.osce.org|date=6 October 2010|access-date=19 May 2017}} It also works with a coalition of NGOs on monitoring places of detention.{{cite web|url=http://www.osce.org/tajikistan/85340|title=OSCE Office in Tajikistan helps Ombudsman and civil society prepare for joint monitoring of closed institutions - OSCE|website=www.osce.org|access-date=19 May 2017}} [490] => [491] => ===Thailand=== [492] => The '''Office of the Ombudsman Thailand''' ({{lang-th|ผู้ตรวจการแผ่นดินของรัฐสภา}}, {{RTGS|''Phu Truat Kan Phaendin Khong Ratthasapha''}}) was created in the [[1997 constitution of Thailand]] or the "people's constitution". The name was shortened to the Ombudsmen ({{lang-th|ผู้ตรวจการแผ่นดิน}}, {{RTGS|''Phu Truat Kan Phaendin''}}) by the [[2007 Constitution of Thailand]]. The idea for such an office first appeared in the [[Constitution of Thailand|1974 constitution]]. On 1 April 2000 the first Thai ombudsman was appointed by the king.{{cite web |title=The Emergence of Ombudsman in Thailand |url=https://www.ombudsman.go.th/10/eng/2_1.asp |website=Office of the Ombudsman Thailand |access-date=3 February 2020 |archive-date=8 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308151309/https://www.ombudsman.go.th/10/eng/2_1.asp |url-status=dead }} [493] => [494] => Ombudsmen are appointed by the [[King of Thailand]] upon the advice of the [[Senate of Thailand]]. The ombudsmen investigate complaints by the public against public officials and agencies. They have the power to prosecute, but not to enforce judgments. The 2007 constitution of 2007 charged the ombudsman to oversee the ethical practices of politicians, government officials, or state officials as well as to establish a code of ethics to be followed by all agencies including the Ombudsman Code of Ethics.{{cite web |title=Ombudsman Code of Ethics |url=https://www.ombudsman.go.th/10/eng/7_3.asp |website=Office of the Ombudsman Thailand |access-date=3 February 2020 |archive-date=8 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308123553/https://www.ombudsman.go.th/10/eng/7_3.asp |url-status=dead }} [495] => [496] => In January 2020, the Office of the Ombudsman abolished its 2012 and 2014 travel regulations, which covered only the ombudsmen's expenses during domestic and overseas trips, and replaced them with a new version that allows ombudsmen's spouses to claim identical benefits on overseas trips. The benefits include all transport and accommodation expenses and a 3,100 [[Thai baht|baht]] daily allowance or all expenses incurred not to exceed 4,500 baht per day. The rules took effect on 29 January after being announced in the ''Royal Gazette''. The new regulations did not address the question of why spouses should travel at public expense.{{cite news |title=Ombudsmen's new rules a folly |url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/opinion/opinion/1848704/ombudsmens-new-rules-a-folly |access-date=3 February 2020 |work=Bangkok Post |date=2 February 2020 |format=Opinion}} [497] => [498] => Ombudsmen are appointed to a six-year non-renewable term. {{as of|August 2019}} Thailand's ombudsmen are:{{cite web|title=Ombudsmans [sic]|url=http://www.ombudsman.go.th/10/eng/3_1.asp|website=Office of the Ombudsman Thailand|access-date=20 March 2017|archive-date=20 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170320234405/http://www.ombudsman.go.th/10/eng/3_1.asp|url-status=dead}} [499] => [500] => * General Viddhavat Rajatanun, Chief Ombudsman (appointed 2012) [501] => * Mr Boon Tapanadul, Ombudsman [502] => * Mr Somjak Suwansujarit, Ombudsman [503] => [504] => In 2019, the Office of the Ombudsman investigated 4,762 cases, of which 2,530 were "dealt with". Most complaints involved the [[Royal Thai Police]] and the Department of Local Administration (DLA). Since its founding in 2000, the ombudsman's office has investigated 48,441 cases and resolved 46,209 (95.4%) of them.{{cite news |title=Police top target of complaints |page=2|work=Bangkok Post |date=5 February 2020}} [505] => [506] => ===Turkey=== [507] => {{Main|Ombudsman Institution}} [508] => The Ombudsman's Office was created after the [[2010 Turkish constitutional referendum|constitutional referendum of 2010]] was approved. The Ombudsman's Office is responsible for examining and investigating all manner of administrative acts, actions, attitudes and behavior in terms of respect for human rights and freedoms, conformity with the law and fairness and appropriateness within the framework of the character of the [[Republic of Turkey]] as enshrined in its [[Turkish Constitution|Constitution]]. It performs its functions as part of the Parliament Speaker's Office. The Ombudsman's Office is called the Public Monitoring Institution (KDK) and has an independent and autonomous budget. [509] => [510] => ===Ukraine=== [511] => {{main|Ombudsman in Ukraine}} [512] => The office of ombudsman, or Commissioner for Human Rights, in [[Ukraine]] was instituted in 1998. The first ombudsman was [[Nina Karpachova]] until 2012. [[Valeriya Lutkovska]] was elected to the office for a five-year term by secret ballot in the [[Verkhovna Rada|Ukrainian Parliament]] on 24 April 2012.{{Cite web |url=http://www.ombudsman.gov.ua/en/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=19&Itemid=30 |title=Election |access-date=3 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121202102616/http://www.ombudsman.gov.ua/en/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=19&Itemid=30 |archive-date=2 December 2012 |url-status=dead }} Under Article 55 of the 1996 [[Constitution of Ukraine|Constitution]], "Everyone has the right to appeal for the protection of his/her rights to the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights". Article 101 provides "The Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights exercises parliamentary control over the observance of constitutional human and citizens' rights and freedoms."{{cite web|url=http://www.ombudsman.gov.ua/en|title=Ukrainian Ombudsman website|access-date=19 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170512132256/http://www1.ombudsman.gov.ua/en/|archive-date=12 May 2017|url-status=dead}} The legal basis of the office, which is also Ukraine's [[National human rights institutions|national human rights institution]], is set out in Law 767/97, which refers to the office as the "Authorised Human Rights Representative" of the Parliament.{{cite web|url=http://ombudsman.kiev.ua/zakon-ue.htm|title=Ukrainian Ombudsman statute 1997|access-date=19 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170510101134/http://ombudsman.kiev.ua/zakon-ue.htm|archive-date=10 May 2017|url-status=dead}} [[Lyudmyla Denisova]] was elected to the office by the [[Verkhovna Rada|Ukrainian Parliament]] on 15 March 2018 and was dismissed in May 2022 by the [[Verkhovna Rada]].{{in lang|uk}} [https://www.pravda.com.ua/news/2022/05/31/7349678/ The Verkhovna Rada fired Ombudsman Denisov] by [[Ukrayinska Pravda]] (31 May 2023) She was accused of making unverifiable statements about alleged sex crimes by Russian troops. There was no new appointment.{{cite news |url=https://www.wsj.com/livecoverage/russia-ukraine-latest-news-2022-05-31/card/ukraine-s-parliament-dismisses-human-rights-chief-1kQWT7i0GHXyeqh6spRe |title=Ukraine's Parliament Dismisses Human-Rights Chief |last=Saidel |first=Peter |newspaper=Wall Street Journal |url-access=subscription |date=31 May 2022 |access-date=31 May 2022}}{{cite news |url=https://www.dw.com/en/why-ukraines-human-rights-chief-lyudmila-denisova-was-dismissed/a-62017920 |title=Why Ukraine's human rights chief Lyudmila Denisova was dismissed |last=Burdyha |first=Igor |newspaper=Deutsche Welle |date=3 June 2022 |access-date=15 June 2022}} [513] => [514] => ===United Kingdom=== [515] => In the United Kingdom a post of Ombudsman is attached to the [[Westminster Parliament]], jurisdiction extending to all departments of the central government and other government institutions. Ombudsmen are not courts for legal purposes.{{cite web|url=http://www.stephenthomson.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/acceptedversionThomsonOmbudsmenAsCourtsOJLS.pdf|title=Ombudsmen As Courts|website=Oxford Journal of Legal Studies|access-date=4 April 2023}} The office of the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration was created in 1967, covering the activities of central government departments. A separate (National) Health Service ombudsman was subsequently created, but this office has to date always been held by the same person and the two offices are usually referred to as the [[Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman]]. This Ombudsman will usually investigate complaints referred to him or her by a Member of Parliament where there has been evidence of "[[maladministration]]" having occurred which has resulted in an "unremedied injustice". Complaints to the Ombudsman are subject to a "time bar" – this means that the Ombudsman may determine a complaint to be out of jurisdiction if too much time has passed between the event or course of events being complained about and the complaint being received by the Ombudsman. [516] => [517] => Separate agencies exist to handle complaints relating to departments and agencies of the [[Devolution in the United Kingdom|devolved administrations]]. These are the [[Northern Ireland Ombudsman]], the [[Public Services Ombudsman for Wales]] and the [[Scottish Public Services Ombudsman]], answerable respectively to the [[Northern Ireland Assembly]], the [[Welsh Parliament]] and the [[Scottish Parliament]]. [518] => [519] => The [[Local Government Ombudsman]] (formally the Commission for Local Government Administration – there are two Commissioners) for England and Wales was created in 1973, and a similar office for Scotland in 1974; since then, a variety of other public and private sector-specific ombudsmen have been created, along with the [[Northern Ireland Ombudsman]]. [520] => [521] => ====Other ombudsman services in the United Kingdom==== [522] => * [http://www.cisas.org.uk/ Communications and Internet Services Adjudication Scheme (CISAS)] provides free, independent dispute resolution with communications providers [523] => * [[Financial Ombudsman Service]] provides consumers and small businesses with a free, independent service for resolving disputes with Banks, Insurance and other financial organisations (includes private medical insurance) [524] => * [[Financial Services Ombudsman Scheme for the Isle of Man]] [525] => * [[Furniture Ombudsman]]{{cite web|url=https://www.thefurnitureombudsman.org/|title=The Furniture Ombudsman|website=The Furniture Ombudsman|access-date=23 July 2018}} [526] => * [[Housing Ombudsman]]: An independent service dealing with complaints against landlords and agents, and other housing disputes.{{cite web |title=What we do |url=https://www.housing-ombudsman.org.uk/about-us/what-we-do/ |website=Housing Ombudsman Service |access-date=21 June 2018}} [527] => * [[Judicial Appointments and Conduct Ombudsman]] [528] => * [[Legal Ombudsman]] [529] => * Motor Ombudsman{{cite web|url=https://www.themotorombudsman.org/|title=The Motor Ombudsman - Motor Industry Codes of Practice|website=The Motor Ombudsman|access-date=23 July 2018}} [530] => *Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman [531] => * Office of the Independent Adjudicator{{cite web|url=http://www.oiahe.org.uk|title=Office of the Independent Adjudicator - OIA Homepage|first=OIA - Office of the Independent|last=Adjudicator|website=www.oiahe.org.uk|access-date=19 May 2017}} reviews individual complaints by students against universities [532] => * [http://www.ombudsman-services.org Ombudsman Services] is a non-profit company that provides dispute resolution for the communications, energy and copyright licensing industries [533] => * [[Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman]]{{cite web|url=https://www.ombudsman.org.uk/|title=Welcome to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman - Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO)|website=www.ombudsman.org.uk|access-date=23 July 2018}} [534] => * [[Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland]] [535] => * [[Pensions Ombudsman]] investigates and decides complaints and disputes about private, civil service and other public sector pensions and pension schemes [536] => * [[Prisoner Ombudsman, Northern Ireland]] [537] => * [[Prisons and Probation Ombudsman]] [538] => * [[Property Ombudsman]] deals with consumer disputes with estate or property agents{{cite web|url=https://www.tpos.co.uk/|title=The Property Ombudsman scheme: free, fair & impartial redress|website=www.tpos.co.uk|access-date=23 July 2018}} [539] => *Public Services Ombudsman for Wales [540] => * Readers' editor is a title invented by ''[[The Guardian]]''{{'}}s [[Ian Mayes]], who was appointed as the paper's first resident independent ombudsman as a bridge between readers and journalists, a role subsequently replicated on other newspapers[http://newsombudsmen.org/articles/democracy-media-and-cyber-ombudsmen "Democracy, media and (cyber) ombudsmen"], Organization of News Ombudsmen (ONO), 21 September 2010.{{cite news|first=Ian |last=Mayes|url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/oct/22/why-should-newspapers-not-be-accountable |title=Open Door {{!}} 'Why should newspapers not be accountable?'|newspaper=The Guardian|date= 22 October 2017}} [541] => * [[Removal Industry Services Ombudsman]]{{Cite web|url=http://www.removalsombudsman.co.uk/|title=The Removals Ombudsman|language=en-GB|access-date=2019-06-17}} [542] => * [[Scottish Legal Services Ombudsman]] [543] => *Scottish Public Services Ombudsman [544] => [545] => ====Former ombudsman services in the United Kingdom==== [546] => * [[The Retail Ombudsman (United Kingdom)|The Retail Ombudsman]] ran from 1 January 2015 to July 2017 when the company lost its ombudsman status [547] => [548] => ===United States=== [549] => {{Main|Ombudsmen in the United States}} [550] => [551] => Members of the [[United States Congress]] serve as federal-level ombudsmen in their oversight capacity over federal agencies, and employ staff specifically dedicated to legal compliance enforcement and investigations of maladministration on behalf of constituents. [552] => [553] => ===Uruguay=== [554] => [555] => In 2012 the [[Uruguay]]an ombudsman was appointed. The office was created in 2010 as a Parliamentary Officer. The formal name of the institution is {{Lang|es|Instituto para los Derechos Humanos y Defensoria del Pueblo}} ('Institute for Human Rights and Ombudsman'). It is composed of five members appointed by the [[General Assembly of Uruguay]]. [556] => [557] => ===Uzbekistan=== [558] => The office of the Authorized Person of the ''Oliy Majlis'' of the Republic of Uzbekistan for Human Rights, or Ombudsman, was created in 1995, by an initiative of the [[President of Uzbekistan|President]] of [[Uzbekistan]], but subsequently through legislation enacted in 1997, reinforced by a constitutional reform in 2003 and a new ombudsman statute in 2004. The current Authorised Person, appointed by the [[Supreme Assembly of Uzbekistan|Supreme Assembly of Uzbekistan (''Oliy Majlis'')]], is Ulugbek Muhammadiev. The office was one of the first ombudsmen established in the [[Commonwealth of Independent States]], and receives technical support from the [[Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe]].{{cite web|url=http://ombudsman.uz/|title=Официальный сайт Уполномоченного Олий Мажлиса Республики Узбекистан по правам человека (Омбудсман)|access-date=19 May 2017}} [559] => [560] => ==See also== [561] => * {{annotated link|Children's ombudsman}} [562] => * {{annotated link|Complaint system}} [563] => * {{annotated link|Human rights activists}} [564] => * {{annotated link|Information commissioner}} [565] => * [[Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions|Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI)]] - coordinates the relationship between national human right institutions and the United Nations human rights system [566] => *[[International Ombudsman Institute]] (IOI) – representing 150 public sector independent ombudsman institutions on the national, state, regional and local level around the globe [567] => * {{annotated link|Liaison officer}} [568] => * {{annotated link|National human rights institution}} [569] => [570] => ==References== [571] => {{reflist}} [572] => [573] => ==External links== [574] => {{Wiktionary}} [575] => {{commons category}} [576] => * [http://www.jpgmonline.com/article.asp?issn=0022-3859;year=2002;volume=48;issue=4;spage=292;epage=6;aulast=Satyanarayana JPGMOnline.com] – 'The role of the ombudsman in biomedical journals', ''[[Journal of Postgraduate Medicine]]'', Vol 48, No 4, pp 292–296, 2002 [577] => * [https://web.archive.org/web/20050302184823/http://www.pogo.org/p/environment/ea-020420-epa.html POGO.org] – 'EPA Ombudsman Resigns: Accountability in Handling of Superfund Sites Threatened', [[Project on Government Oversight]] (22 April 2002) [578] => * [https://web.archive.org/web/20051116194002/http://www.transparency.org/sourcebook/10.pdf Transparency.org] – 'What is an Ombudsman' [579] => * [https://web.archive.org/web/20160305104224/http://dcaf.ch/Publications/Ombuds-Institutions-for-the-Armed-Forces-A-Handbook Ombudsman Institutions for the Armed Forces Handbook] – 'A practical guide to the role of military ombudsman', [[Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces]] (DCAF) [580] => * [https://web.archive.org/web/20070615173150/http://www.ecmi.de/doc/ombudsman/download/guide_uk.pdf Ombudsman Institutions and Minority Issues], Study by the European Centre for Minority Issues [581] => * [https://soep-online.de/ SÖP Schlichtungsstelle für den öffentlichen Personenverkehr e.V.], Ombudsman Institution of Public Transport in Germany [582] => * [https://deflem.blogspot.com/2017/05/ombudscontrol.html Deflem, Mathieu. 2017. "The Ombuds and Social Control."] The Independent Voice, IOA newsletter, May 2017. [583] => [584] => ===International and regional ombudsman associations=== [585] => * Africa [586] => ** [https://law.ukzn.ac.za/african-ombudsman-research-centre African Ombudsman Research Centre] (AORC), {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230328095239/https://law.ukzn.ac.za/african-ombudsman-research-centre|date=2023-03-28}} [587] => * North America [588] => ** [https://accuo.ca Association of Canadian College and University Ombudspersons] (ACCUO) [589] => * Asia [590] => ** [http://www.asianombudsman.com/ Asian Ombudsman Association] (AOA) – "To promote the concepts of Ombudsmanship and to encourage its development in Asia" [591] => * Australasia [592] => ** [http://www.anzoa.com.au Australian and New Zealand Ombudsman Association] (ANZOA) [593] => * Europe/N.Africa [594] => ** [https://archive.today/20130415120112/http://www.ombudsman-med.org/eng/ Association of Mediterranean Ombudsmen] (AMO) [595] => ** [https://www.ombudsmanassociation.org/ Ombudsman Association] (formerly the British and Irish Ombudsman Association, BIOA) [596] => ** [http://enoc.eu European Network of Ombudspersons for Children] (ENOC) [597] => ** [https://www.enohe.net European Network of Ombudsmen in Higher Education] (ENOHE), {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050430070819/http://www.english.uva.nl/enohe/enohe_network.cfm/ |date=30 April 2005 }} – webpage at [[Universiteit van Amsterdam]] [598] => ** [http://www.eoi.at European Ombudsman Institute] (EOI) [599] => * global [600] => ** [http://www.ombudsassociation.org International Ombudsman Association] (IOA) [601] => ** [http://www.newsombudsmen.org Organization of News Ombudsmen] (ONO) [602] => [603] => ===Ombudsman directories=== [604] => * [http://www.theioi.org/ IOI] – International Ombudsman Institute (international directory of ombudsmen) [605] => * [http://ombuds-blog.blogspot.com/ Ombuds Blog] includes lists of organizational ombuds offices in corporations, academic, governmental, and other organizations [606] => [607] => {{Authority control}} [608] => [609] => [[Category:Ombudsmen| ]] [610] => [[Category:Legal professions]] [611] => [[Category:Government occupations]] [612] => [[Category:Ethics organizations]] [613] => [[Category:Swedish titles]] [614] => [[Category:Swedish words and phrases]] [] => )
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Ombudsman

An ombudsman is a person or office that investigates complaints or grievances from individuals against the government or other organizations. The term "ombudsman" originated in Sweden and has since been adopted by many countries worldwide.

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The term "ombudsman" originated in Sweden and has since been adopted by many countries worldwide. Ombudsmen are typically appointed by legislatures, governments, or independent organizations to provide citizens with an impartial and independent venue to voice their concerns and seek resolution to disputes. They act as a checks and balances mechanism, ensuring that public institutions operate fairly and that individuals' rights are protected. Ombudsmen handle a wide range of cases, including those related to public administration, human rights violations, healthcare, military matters, and corporate activities. They may mediate between parties, conduct investigations, make recommendations, or refer cases to judicial authorities when necessary. The role and power of an ombudsman vary depending on the jurisdiction, but they generally aim to promote transparency, accountability, and good governance. Ombudsmen are essential in fostering trust between citizens and the institutions that govern them and ensure that everyone has access to a fair, impartial, and efficient process for resolving disputes.

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