This volume reflects the findings of a conference organized in preparation of setting up a national human rights commission and ombudsman institution in the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. The meeting assembled experts in the field of the protection and promotion of human rights, and of the problems of countries in transition from a non-democratic system, characterized by gross violations of human rights, towards a democratic system based on the rule of law and respect for human rights. The book analyses the functioning of national human rights commissions and ombudsman institutions in 23 different countries, by means of country report written in the main by members of these institutions themselves and containing an assessment of their experience. Many offer relevant constitutional and legislative provisions as well. This volume thus forms a unique collection of materials dealing with national human rights commissions and ombudsman offices.

This publication introduces the reader to national human rights institutions (NHRIs). Its focus is on NHRIs as both cornerstones of national human rights protection and promotion, and links between States and the international human rights system. Respect for human rights requires the concerted effort of every Government, individual, group and organ in society. With this in mind, the publication is intended for all those who seek a basic understanding of NHRIs, the work they do, how they interact with States, civil society and the international community, and how to support their work.

This book uses comparative law and comparative international law approaches to explore the role of human rights ombuds, classic-based ombuds and other types of ombuds institutions in human rights protection and promotion, their methods of application of international and domestic human rights law and their roles in strengthening good governance. It highlights the increasing importance of national human rights ombuds institutions globally and their roles as national human rights institutions (NHRIs).

This book looks at accountability, privatisation of government functions, the complaint handling process, systematic investigations, compliance issues and management concerns. It provides Caribbean case studies placed within a larger international context, illustrating the experience of developing small and island states in general. Issues and strategies relating to human rights protection and promotion in the Caribbean by ombudsman and related human rights issues are also explored. Published by the Commonwealth Secretariat in collaboration with the International Ombudsman Institute.

This book uses comparative law and comparative international law approaches to explore the role of human rights ombuds, classic-based ombuds and other types of ombuds institutions in human rights protection and promotion, their methods of application of international and domestic human rights law and their roles in strengthening good governance. It highlights the increasing importance of national human rights ombuds institutions globally and their roles as national human rights institutions (NHRIs). Chapters address: ombuds institutions as mechanisms to strengthen democratic, horizontal and vertical accountability, the rule of law and good governance; national human rights ombuds institutions as NHRIs; the investigatory, litigation, promotional and other powers of human rights and classic-based ombuds and their methods for applying international and domestic human rights law; ombuds institutions and the protection and promotion of international children's rights; national human rights ombuds additional mandates as OPCAT national preventive mechanisms, UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Article 33(2) framework mechanisms and EU national equality bodies; human rights ombuds and business and human rights; ombuds institutions, gender and women's rights; the European Ombudsman and human rights; national human rights ombuds and other ombuds models by region, accompanied by case studies on national human rights ombuds; and the legal and extra-legal factors affecting ombuds institutional effectiveness.

Commissioned by the International Ombudsman Institute (IOI), the Ludwig Boltzmann Institute of Human Rights (BIM) in Vienna conducted a comparative analytical study on Ombudsman Institutions in the Australasia and Pacific region between January 2011 and April 2012. In Part 1, this book provides an analytical comparison of the public sector Ombudsman Institutions in Australia (the Commonwealth Ombudsman and the state/territory Ombudsmen of all Australian states as well as of the Northern Territory and the ACT), the Cook Islands, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Taiwan, Tonga and Vanuatu. In addition to a comparative analysis showing the partial heterogeneity of the Institutions, a comprehensive overview of common features, and explorations of the specifics and peculiarities of the Institutions, Part 2 presents separate reports on the 16 different jurisdictions featuring their main functions as follows: - Legal basis, legal status and organisation, - Mandate, object of control and standard of control, - Powers, including legal quality and impact of the outcomes of investigative procedures, - Relationship to the administration, the judiciary and the legislator, and - Special characteristics. Part 2 is based on information provided by the Institutions themselves in questionnaires sent out at the outset of the study, an analysis of the respective establishing acts and other relevant laws, and on relevant scientific publications and the Institutions’ Annual Reports. The reports also refer to relevant legal provisions and include websites addresses for ease of reference.

6. Ombudsman in Australia: Dennis Pearce

"The International Ombudsman Yearbook" is the only publication devoted to ombudsman issues. The public sector ombudsman is now found at all levels of government in many countries around the world, both in established and consolidating democracies. The ombudsman is an independent office, traditionally appointed by the legislative branch, to investigate poor administration of government. More recently, some ombudsman offices have been given human rights protection responsibilities. "The International Ombudsman Yearbook" contains articles written from legal or public administration perspectives which address issues of interest to the contemporary ombudsman and all persons with an interest in the institution. Compiled and edited by the International Ombudsman Institute, the organisation composed of over 130 ombudsman members located worldwide, the "Yearbook" will be of interest to lawyers, scholars, ombudsman office personnel, and government entities wherever ombudsman offices are located or contemplated. The International Ombudsman Institute is a non-profit organisation whose objects include promotion of the concept of ombudsmanship, encouragement and support of research in the ombudsman field, development of educational programmes associated with ombudsmanship conferences, and provision of a resource centre for storage and dissemination of information about the ombudsman institution.

This anthology brings together a selection of writings by ombudsman experts that explore various aspects of the contemporary public sector ombudsman. Originally published in International Ombudsman Institute publications, these articles illustrate the diversity of ombudsman offices around the world and underscore the elements and issues that are important to all ombudsman institutions. From its Scandinavian roots, the ombudsman model has been established worldwide and at all levels of government as a mechanism to monitor and improve government administration. The model has seen renewed interest in the past decade in democratizing countries which are reforming their governmental institutions, such as in Latin America, Central and East Europe, Africa and the Asia Pacific region. This anthology explores the essential elements of the public sector ombudsman and the emerging mandates of the ombudsman institution both in established and consolidating democracies. In particular, the role of the ombudsman in human rights protection is scrutinized from a variety of perspectives. The anthology also includes critical analyses of the extent of the jurisdiction of the public sector ombudsman, focusing on matters such as the relationship of the ombudsman with administrative tribunals and the courts. Issues surrounding the ombudsman process of investigation, recommendation and reporting are highlighted - such as administrative fairness in the ombudsman process, special investigations, public education about the office and media relations.