Ombudsman 202583 225786575 2008-07-15T11:51:24Z 82.139.80.39 /* Ombudsman in politics */ titles in alphabetical order {{for|the Canadian television series|Ombudsman (TV series)}} An '''ombudsman''' ([[English language|English]] plural: conventionally ''ombudsmen'') is an official, usually (but not always) appointed by the government or by parliament, who is charged with representing the interests of the public by investigating and addressing complaints reported by individual citizens. In some jurisdictions, the Ombudsman is referred to, at least officially, as the 'Parliamentary Commissioner' (e.g., the [[West Australia]]n state Ombudsman). The word ''ombudsman'' and its specific meaning, [[Norse language|Norse]] in origin, has since been adopted into [[English language|English]] as well as other languages, and ombudsmen have been instituted by other governments and organizations such as the [[European Union]]. To make a complaint to an ombudsman is usually free of charge. An ombudsman need not be appointed by a legislature; they may work for a corporation, a newspaper, an [[Non-governmental organization|NGO]], as an organizational ombudsman, or for the general public in a city, appointed by a mayor, like the executive ombudsman. In some countries, an [[Inspector General]] may have similar duties as or have overlapping duties with an ombudsman appointed by the legislature. ==Origins and etymology== The origin of the word is found in [[Old Norse language|Old Swedish]] ''umbuðsmann'' ([[accusative case|accusative]]) and the word ''umbuds man'', meaning representative. The first preserved use is in [[Swedish language|Swedish]]. In the Danish [[Jyske Lov|Law of Jutland]] from 1241 the term is ''umbozman'' and means a royal civil servant in a [[hundred (country subdivision)]]. From 1552, it is also used in the other Scandinavian languages such as the [[Icelandic language|Icelandic]] "umboðsmaður", the [[Norwegian language|Norwegian]] "ombudsmann" and the [[Danish language|Danish]] "ombudsmand". The modern use of the term began in [[Sweden]], with the [[Parliamentary Ombudsman|Swedish Parliamentary Ombudsman]] instituted in [[1809]], to safeguard the rights of citizens by establishing a supervisory agency independent of the [[executive branch]]. A prototype of ombudsmen may have flourished in [[China]] during the [[Qin Dynasty]] (221 BC), and in [[Korea]] during the [[Joseon Dynasty]].{{Fact|date=February 2007}} The [[ancient Rome|Romans]] may have also grappled with the problem.{{Fact|date=March 2008}} However, it was the example of the second Muslim [[Caliph]], [[Umar]] (634-644) and the concept of [[Qadi]] al-Qadat (developed in [[Sharia|Islamic law]]), which influenced the Swedish King, [[Charles XII of Sweden|Charles XII]]. In 1713, fresh from self-exile in [[Turkey]], Charles XII created the Office of Supreme Ombudsman, which soon became the [[Chancellor of Justice]].<ref>{{citation|title=Islamic Roots of Ombudsman System|first=V.|last=Pickl|journal=The Ombudsman Journal|year=1997}}</ref> A parallel institution, the [[Parliamentary Ombudsman]], was later established by the [[Riksdag]], and it was this that the Scandinavian countries subsequently molded into its contemporary form. Although the word is, historically, gender-neutral, some writers have replaced ''ombudsman'' in speech and writing with "ombuds officer", "ombudsperson", or just "ombuds", or "ombud," or, in cases where the person in question is a woman, "ombudswoman".{{Fact|date=August 2007}} ==Ombudsman in politics== In general, "ombudsman" refers to 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 normally 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 'tribunitian' role, and has been traditionally fuflilled by elected representatives (The term refers to the ancient Roman '[[Tribune#Tribune of the Plebs|tribunes of the plebians]]' (''tribuni plebis''), whose role was to intercede in the political process on behalf of common citizens). The major advantage of an ombudsman is that he or she examines 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. Perhaps for this reason, outside Scandinavia, the introduction of ombudsmen has tended to yield mixed results. ===Canada=== In Canada the office of the ombudsman is present in all departments of the federal government, in many provincial and municipal governments as well as in [[Crown Corporations]] such as [[Canadian Broadcasting Corporation|CBC]]. ===China=== In the [[Republic of China]], the role of the [[Control Yuan]] is comparable to that of an ombudsman. ===United Kingdom=== In the UK, the office of the [[Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman|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 has to date always been the same person and the two offices are combined. The [[Local Government Ombudsman]] (formally the Commission for Local Government Administration - there are three Commissioners) for England and Wales was created in 1973, and for Scotland in 1974; since then, a variety of other public and private sector-specific ombudsmen have been created. Critics claim that the Ombudsmen appear independent while actually being recruited from the ranks of officials and that their function tends to entail little more than the rubber stamping of official decisions. Use of the ombudsman schemes is becoming increasingly common, although citizens will often pursue grievances against government through their local [[member of parliament|MP]], or else through another MP or the courts. ===United States of America=== In the United States the U.S. Congressman has long performed the unofficial function of an Ombudsman, at the Federal level. This informal job has become increasingly time consuming. It is subject to criticism on the grounds that it interferes with a legislator's primary duty, namely to read and be knowledgeable about a bill before casting his or her vote.<ref>''Congressional Quarterly Weekly Report'' 35 (3 September 1977): 1855.</ref> Nonetheless, as Morris Fiorina points out, the involvement of Congress in the ombudsman process carries one major advantage: members of the Legislative Branch exercise "control over what bureaucrats value most – higher budgets and new program authorizations."<ref>Morris P. Fiorina, "The Case of the Vanishing Marginals: The Bureaucracy Did It," ''American Political Science Review'' 71 (March 1977): 179-80.</ref> ==Organizational ombudsman== {{main|Organizational ombudsman}} Many private companies, universities, non-profit organizations and government agencies also have an ombudsman (or an ombuds office) to serve internal employees, and 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 IOA Standards of Practice do not serve any other role in the organization. Organizational ombudsmen are sometimes called "ombuds" or "ombuds officers" or "ombudsperson" or "ombud"{{Fact|date=January 2008}}. They are beginning to appear around the world within organizations, sometimes as an alternative to anonymous hot lines, in countries where the latter are illegal or considered inappropriate. Since the 1960s, the profession has grown in the [[United States]], and Canada, particularly in corporations, universities and government agencies. This current model, sometimes referred to as an [[organizational ombudsman]], works as a designated neutral party, one who is high ranking in an organization, but who is not considered management in the sense of being able to make management decisions. Using an [[alternative dispute resolution]] (ADR) sensibility, or perhaps more apt, an appropriate dispute resolution sensibility, an organizational ombudsman can provide options to [[whistleblower]]s or employees and managers with [[Business ethics|ethics]] concerns, provide [[mediation]] for conflicts, track problem areas, and make recommendations for changes to policies or procedures in support of orderly systems change. One particularly important function is to pick up "new things" -- that is, issues new to the organization. This is particularly important if the "new thing" is "disruptive" in the sense of requiring the organization to review and possibly improve its policies, procedures and/or structures. An organizational ombudsman who is practicing to IOA "standards of practice" is neutral and visibly outside ordinary line and staff structures. An organizational ombudsman will practice informally (with no management decisionmaking power, and without accepting "notice" for the organization). An organizational ombudsman typically keeps no case records for an employer and keeps near absolute confidentiality. The only exception is where there appears to be an imminent risk of serious harm, and an ombudsman can see no responsible option other than breaking confidence -- but organizational ombuds programs report that they can almost always find "other responsible options", such as helping a visitor to make an anonymous report about whatever appears to be the problem. ==Legislative/Classical ombudsman== ===Albania=== The Ombudsman of the Republic of Albania or [http://www.avokatipopullit.gov.al/ Avokati i Popullit (People's Advovate)] was anticipated for the first time in the Albanian’s Constitution approved in November 1998. The Parliament passed the Law on the People’s Advocate 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.<br> Legal basis for The People's Advocate comes from Chapter VI of the Albanian constitution, article 60, 61, 62, 63, 134. It was passed into Law No.8454, passed on February 4, 1999 and subsequently amended with Law No. 8600, dated April 10, 2000 and Law No. 9398, dated May 12, 2005.<br> The current Ombudsman is '''Ph.D. Emir Dobjani'''. He was elected for the first time on February 16, 2000 and re-elected on February 17, 2005.<br> The primary functions of the Ombudsman are described in Chapter VI, article 60 of the constitution: ''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.''[http://www.avokatipopullit.gov.al/English/Legal%20Basis.htm] ===Armenia=== The ombudsman of the Republic of Armenia since 2006 is Mr. [[Armen Harutyunyan]]. Before him was Ms. [[Larisa Alaverdyan]]. http://www.ombuds.am * [[RA Human Rights Defender]] According to the 83.1 article of Constitution of RA and in the result of elections taken place in the National Assembly on February 17-th of 2006 Armen Harutyunyan obtaining more than 3/5 votes of deputies was elected Parliamentary first Human Rights Defender of RA for 6 year term. * [[Armen Harutyunyan]] Armen Harutyunyan was born in 1964 in Yerevan. From 1981 to 1986 studied at Law Department of the Yerevan State University and after graduating obtained the Diploma in Law (Magna Cum Laude). From 1986 to 1989 passed his post graduate study at the Institute of State and Law of Academy of USSR and obtained the degree of Candidate of Law (equivalent to PhD). From 1994 to 1997 studied Doctoral Studies at the Academy of Public Administration, adjunct to the President of Russian Federation and obtained the degree of Doctor of Law (equivalent to Senior Juris Doctor). From 1989 till now Armen Harutyunyan has been lecturing at the Law Department of Yerevan State University. From 1997 to present Armen Harutyunyan has been legal advisor at the Constitutional Court or RA. As the Representative of the President of RA on Constitutional reforms took part in Constitutional reform of 2005. From 2002 to 2006 was the rector of Public Administration Academy of the RA. From 2001 to present Armen Harutyunyan is the President of Association of European Law of RA. From 2002 to present is the Deputy Representative of European Commission for Democracy through Law (Venice Commission). Armen Harutyunyan is the author of more than 60 scientific works. He is married and has two children. Armen Harutyunyan took his post on February 20-th of 2006. ===Australia=== The [http://www.ombudsman.gov.au/ 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. The Ombudsman can also investigate complaints about delays in processing Freedom of Information requests (FOI) and complaints about FOI charges. The Commonwealth Ombudsman is also the Defence Force Ombudsman, Immigration Ombudsman, Postal Industry Ombudsman, Taxation Ombudsman, Law Enforcement Ombudsman and through an arrangement with the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Government, the ACT Ombudsman. The current Commonwealth Ombudsman is Prof. John McMillan. The various states in Australia have (variously described) state Ombudsman offices also, with similar jurisdiction as described above, except over state government authorities. There is much collaboration in an academic sense between Ombudsmen in Australia, given the highly similar nature of their roles (despite differing jurisdictions). The offices frequently work on joint projects, such as those addressing difficult client behaviour. ===Azerbaijan=== The ombudsman of the Republic of Azerbaijan is Elmira Suleymanova. She was elected by the Parliament of the to the Position of the Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) of the Republic of Azerbaijan on 2 July, 2002. Elmira Suleymanova was born on 17 July, 1937 in Baku, Azerbaijan. She is a graduate of the faculty of chemistry at the Baku State University. She holds a degree of Ph.D., doctor of Chemistry (1980), professor (1982).From 1980, she was one of the leaders of women’s movement in Azerbaijan. Elmira Suleymanova has received numerous awards for the defense of Human Rights. ===Bulgaria=== The institution of the Ombudsman in [[Bulgaria]] was established by law in 1998 but the first Ombudsman was elected in April 2005. There is a national ombudsman (''[[Граждански защитник]]'') and regional ombudsmen (''[[Граждански посредници]]''). ===Croatia=== The [[Croatia]]n Ombudsman is known as ''[[Pučki pravobranitelj]]'', and was established by the [[Croatian Constitution]] in 1990. The Ombudsman is appointed by the Parliament, and has the task of ensuring that all government departments and officials follow the law. There are also special ombudsmen for gender equality and ombudsmen for children, since 2003. ===Czech Republic=== The [[Czech Republic|Czech]] Ombudsman is known as ''[[Veřejný ochránce práv]]'' (Public Defender of Rights). ===Cyprus=== The [[Cyprus|Cypriot]] Ombudsman is known as ''[[Commissioner for Administration]]'' , is an Independent Authority and was established οn [[15 March]] 1991. Currently, the Ombudswoman (Commissioner for Administration) is [[Eliana Nicolaou]]. [http://www.ombudsman.gov.cy/] ===Denmark=== * The Parliamentary Ombudsman (''Folketingets Ombudsmand'') was established in [[1955]]. He investigates 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. His main areas of expertise include [[administrative law]]; [[constitutional law]]; the rights of inmates in correction facilities; and [[access to information]]. He is appointed by the Danish Parliament ([[Folketing]]). * The Consumer Ombudsman (''Forbrugerombudsmanden'') was established in [[1974]]. His role is to ensure that the consumer protection and marketing rules are complied with by private undertakings, and can thus ultimately institute legal proceedings before the Copenhagen Maritime and Commercial Court. * The highest representative of the Danish government in [[Greenland]] is called the Royal Ombudsman (''Rigsombudsmanden'') since [[1979]]. ===Estonia=== The [[Estonia]]n ombudsman is known as ''[[Õiguskantsler]]'' (''[[Chancellor of Justice#Estonia|Chancellor of Justice]]'' [http://www.oiguskantsler.ee/?lang=eng]). ===European Union=== The [[European Ombudsman]] was established by the [[Maastricht treaty]], the treaty establishing the [[European Union]]. The current European Ombudsman, holding office since April 1, [[2003]], is [[Nikiforos Diamandouros]], former national ombudsman of [[Greece]]. The European Union Ombudsman investigates claims by companies which reside or have their interests within the European Union against incidents of bad administration by bodies or institutions of the European Union. ===France=== In France, since 1973, there is a Government appointed Ombudsman, the "Médiateur de la République". Currently Jean-Paul Delevoye is holding the office, for a single term that will elapse in 2010. ===Finland===<!-- This section is linked from [[Finland]] --> In Finland the office of [[Parliamentary Ombudsman]],<ref>[http://www.oikeusasiamies.fi/Resource.phx/eoa/english/index.htx Finnish Parliamentary Ombudsman]</ref> modelled after the Swedish Ombudsman, was established by the [[Constitution of Finland|Constitution of 1919]]. The Ombudsman is appointed by the 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. She or he 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 advice on the proper application of the law, reprimand the official or in the extreme case order the criminal prosecution of the official. Partly because of the prosecutorial powers the Ombudsman enjoys considerable respect and her or his legal opinions are usually strictly followed. Her or his legal interpretations carry a lot of weight in the absence of a court precedent. There are also special ombudsmen for gender equality, children's welfare, rights of ethnic minorities, data protection, and consumer protection, operating under the auspices of various ministries and other government agencies. Also, every health care provider in Finland is legally obliged to have a patients' rights ombudsman. ===Republic of Macedonia=== Since 1997 Macedonia has an [http://www.ombudsman.mk/default.aspx?Lan=EN Ombudsman Institution] named Naroden pravobranitel for protection of citizens rights. The Ombudsman is appointed by the Parliament. Work of his competence the Ombudsman performs on the base and in the frame of the Constitution and the Law on the Ombudsman. ===Georgia=== Georgia's official ombudsman, or the "Public Defender", is [[Sozar Subari]]. ===Greece=== The Greek Ombudsman is called the Citizen's Advocate and is an Independent Authority. Currently, the Citizen's Advocate is Professor [[Georgios Kaminis]]. The Advocate is assisted by five Assistant Advocates, who coordinate the activities of the Advocate's office in the five "theme circles" (areas) in which the office has authority: i) [[civil rights]], ii) [[social protection]], iii) [[quality of life]], iv) [[state-citizen relationships]] and v) [[children's rights]]. ===Hong Kong=== The Office of The Ombudsman, Hong Kong is an independent statutory authority, established in 1989 under the Ombudsman Ordinance, to redress grievances arising from maladministration in the public sector through independent and impartial investigations to improve the standard of public administration. Resources: Office of The Ombudsman, Hong Kong ===Iceland=== The post of [[Iceland Ombudsman|umboðsmaður Alþingis]] was set up in [[1987]] under the terms of law number 13/1987, which deals with complaints against the government. His authority was expanded to local government levels in the [[1997]] law number 85/1997. The Ombudsman is appointed by [[Alþingi]]. ===India=== The Government of India has designated several ombudsmen (sometimes called '''Chief Vigilance Officer''' or '''CVO''') for the redressal of grievances and complaints from individuals in the banking, insurance and other sectors being serviced by both private and public bodies and corporations.<ref>{{ cite web | url = cvc.nic.in/vscvc/guideanx7.pdf | title = LIST OF AGENCIES IN GOVERNMENT OF INDIA FIGHTING CORRUPTION | format = pdf | publisher = Central Vigilance Commission, Government of India | accessdate = 2008-01-21 }}</ref> In India, Ombudsman is called as Lokpal or Lokayukta. An Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC) was set up on 5th January, 1966 under the Chairmanship of Shri Morarji Desai. It recommended a two-tier machinery, namely, Lokpal at the Centre and one Lokayukta each at the State level for redressal of people's grievances. The central Government introduced the first Lokpal and Lokayuktas Bill in 1968 and lastly in 2005, which has also not so far been enacted. Lokayukta institution has come into existence in different years, in different States in India. The first Lokayukta institution was established in the State of Orissa in the year 1970. There after, this institution was established in different States in different years namely: Maharashtra (1972), Bihar (1974), Uttar Pradesh (1977), Madhya Pradesh (1981), Andhra Pradesh (1983), Himachal Pradesh (1983), Karnataka (1984), Assam (1986), Gujarat (1988), Delhi (1995), Punjab (1996), Kerala (1998), Chhattishgarh (2002), Uttaranchal (2002) and West Bengal (2003) and Haryana (2004). In the State of Rajasthan, the Lokayukta institution was established in the year 1973 after the Rajasthan Lokayukta and Up-Lokayuktas Act, 1973 was passed by the State Legislature and received assent of the President on 26.3.1973. === Ireland === The Office of Ombudsman was set up under the terms of the [http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/ZZA26Y1980.html Ombudsman Act, 1980]. 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]], [[Health Board|health board]]s and [[An Post]]. There are other ombudsmen established in the [[Republic of Ireland|Republic]]. The first Pensions Ombudsman, Paul Kenny, was appointed in 2003. Emily Logan became Ireland’s first 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. Also established in 2005 was the Office of the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces, the first holder being Paulyn Marrinan Quinn, formerly an Insurance Ombudsman. An Act of 2005 created a three-person tribunal, the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission [[Garda Siochana#Garda Ombudsman Commission]],to investigate complaints about the country's police force. All these offices are statutory and their holders are public servants. The creation of a (non-statutory) Press Ombudsman was announced in August 2007. ===Israel=== The State Comptroller of [[Israel]] 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. ===Italy=== In Italy there isn't an ombudsman at national level whereas many units of sub-national government ([[region]]s, [[province]]s and [[comune|communes]]) have their ombudsman, known as ''difensore civico'', elected by regional, provincial or communal council. ===Latvia=== Since 2007, Latvian ombudsman is a personalized institution literally called Rights' Defender (''Tiesībsargs''). Previously, similar functions were carried by National Human Rights Office (1995—2006). ===Netherlands, The=== The idea of ombudsman was introduced in the Netherlands by VARA-presenter Tom Pauka, after a holiday in Sweden in 1969. A television program was started with the name ''De Ombudsman''. Today the [[Constitution of the Netherlands]] determines that there is a National Ombudsman, a state institution. ===New Zealand=== The post of [[New Zealand Chief Ombudsman|Ombudsman]] was established in New Zealand in 1962, with the aegis of investigation of complaints against government departments. In 1975 the post was expanded, with a Chief Ombudsman and several (number unspecified) of other ombudsmen. New Zealand also has three industry ombudsmen - the [[New Zealand Banking Ombudsman|Banking Ombudsman]], the Insurance and Savings Ombudsman, and the Electricity and Gas COmplaints Commissioner who is an ombudsman in all but name. The Parliamentary Ombudsman has a very high level of power in New Zealand, and it is either a very brave - or very foolish - government department who attempts to flout an Ombudsman's rulings. ===Norway=== * [[The Equality and Anti-Discrimination Ombud in Norway]] ''(Likestillings- og diskrimineringsombudet)'' was established in [[1978]] as the Gender Equality Ombud ''(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 (Discrimination Act). The Ombud shall also enforce the anti-discrimination regulations in the Working Environment Act. The mandate of the Ombud also include to actively promote equality for discriminated groups, and to develop new knowledge through documentation and monitoring. * [[The Parliamentary Ombudsman for Public Administration]] ''(Sivilombudsmannen)'' investigates complaints from citizens or may take up issues on own initiative complaints from citizens concerning injustice or maladministration from central government or local authorities. * [[Ombudsman for Children in Norway]] ''(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. * [[Norwegian Consumer Ombudsman]] ''(Forbrukerombudet)'' <ref>www.forbrukerombudet.no</ref>shall, in the interests of consumers, seek to prevent market abuses in conflict with the provisions stipulated in or pursuant to The Norwegian Marketing Control Act. The Consumer Ombudsman shall, acting on his own initiative or on the basis of communications from others, urge all businesspersons to conduct their activities in accordance with the provisions of the Marketing Control Act. The Consumer Ombudsman shall also ensure that the terms and conditions are not used in any way that may harm consumers and shall contribute to this end through negotiations with businesspersons or their organisations. The Consumer Ombudsman has received a lot of attention internationally since it has ruled that the [[iTunes music store]]'s contract terms violates Norwegian consumer and marketing law.<ref>[http://www.forbrukerombudet.no/index.gan?id=11032467&subid=0 iTunes violates Norwegian law]</ref> * 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. <ref>[http://www.ombudet.no][http://www.sovo.no]</ref> ===Pakistan=== In Pakistan, the establishment of the institution of Ombudsman was advocated on several occasions. It was, however, Article 276 of the Interim Constitution of 1972, which for the first time provided for the appointment of a Federal Ombudsman as well as Provincial Ombudsmen. Subsequently, the Constitution of 1973 included the Federal Ombudsman at item 13 of the Federal Legislative List in the Fourth Schedule. The Institution of Ombudsman was, however, actually brought into being through the Establishment of the Office of Wafaqi Mohtasib (Ombudsman) Order, 1983 (President’s Order No. 1 of 1983), which is now a part of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan by virtue of Article 270-A. It started functioning on 8th August, 1983. The Ombudsman in Pakistan is called "Wafaqi Mohtasib", (English: "Federal Ombudsman") with its headquarters in Islamabad and Regional Offices in Lahore, Sukkur, Quetta, Faisalabad, Multan, Dera Ismail Khan, Peshawar and Karachi. The official website of Ombudsman in Pakistan is http://www.mohtasib.gov.pk ===Peru=== The Peruvian Ombudsman is called "Defensor del Pueblo". ===Philippines=== The [[Philippine Ombudsman|Office of the Ombudsman of the Philippines]] is empowered by the ''[[Constitution of the Philippines|1987 Saligang Batas ng Pilipinas]]'' to safeguard the government and government-related institutions and corporations from corruption and dispense justice in the case of such offenses. ===Poland=== The Polish Ombudsman is called the ''[[Rzecznik Praw Obywatelskich]]''. ===Portugal=== The [[Portugal|Portuguese]] Ombudsman is called the ''[[Provedor de Justiça]]'' (Justice Provider), and its role is defined in article 23 of the [[Constitution of Portugal]]: ''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.'' ''2. The Ombudsman’s work shall be independent of any acts of grace or legal remedies provided for in this Constitution or the law.'' ''3. The Ombudsman’s office shall be an independent body and the [[Assembly of the Republic]] shall appoint the Ombudsman for such time as the law may determine.'' ''4. The bodies and agents of the Public Administration shall cooperate with the Ombudsman in the fulfilment of his mission.'' Besides the traditional roles, there are two [[Toll-free telephone number|toll-free]] lines: one for children and one for [[Old age|senior citizens]]. ====External links==== * [http://www.provedor-jus.pt/ Provedor de Justiça] (in [[Portuguese language|Portuguese]]) * [http://www.provedor-jus.pt/queixa.htm File a complaint online] ===Romania=== The Romanian Ombudsman is known as ''[[Avocatul Poporului]]'', meaning People's Advocate. ===Russia=== Russian ombudsman position is called "human rights commissioner". This chair is currently held by [[Vladimir Lukin]]. ===South Africa=== * [[Public Protector]] ===Spain=== The Spanish laws translate "ombudsman" as ''defensor del pueblo'' ("People's defender"). The Spanish Defensor can start processes at the [[Constitutional Court (Spain)|Constitutional Court]]. There is a general [[Defensor del Pueblo]] for issues with the Spanish administration, and regional ones for the [[autonomous communities of Spain]], for instance: * [http://www.defensordelpueblo.es Defensor del Pueblo Español] * [http://www.valedordopobo.com/ Valedor do Pobo] ([[Galicia (Spain)|Galicia]]) * [http://www.ararteko.net/ Arateko] ([[Basque Country (autonomous community)|Basque Country]]) * [http://www.eljusticiadearagon.com/ Justicia de Aragón] ([[Aragon]]) * [http://www.sindicgreugescat.org/ Síndic de Greuges] ([[Catalonia]]) * [http://www.sindicdegreuges.gva.es Sindic de Greuges] ([[Land of Valencia]]) * [http://www.defensor-and.es/ Defensor del Pueblo Andaluz] ([[Andalusia]]) * [http://www.procuradordelcomun.org/ Procurador del Común] ([[Castile-Leon]]) * [http://www.defensora-navarra.com Defensor del Pueblo de Navarra/Nafarroako Ararteko] ([[Navarre]]) * [http://www.diputadodelcomun.com Diputado del Común] ([[Canary Islands]]) === Sweden === * [[Parliamentary Ombudsman|The Swedish Parliamentary Ombudsmen]] (Riksdagens ombudsmän) Governmental ombudsmen: * [[Swedish Ombudsman for Equal Opportunities]], or ''Jämställdhetsombudsmannen'' (JämO). Monitors issues relating to gender equality and since 1st of March 2002, equal treatment of students at universities. * [[Swedish Ombudsman for Children]], or ''Barnombudsmannen''. Observes matters affecting the rights and interests of children and young people. * [[Swedish Disability Ombudsman]], or ''Handikappombudsmannen''. Monitors issues relating to the rights and interests of persons with disabilities. * [[Swedish Ombudsman against Discrimination on Grounds of Sexual Orientation]], (HomO), or ''Ombudsmannen mot diskriminering på grund av sexuell läggning'' * [[Swedish Ombudsman against Ethnic Discrimination]], or ''Ombudsmannen mot etnisk diskriminering'' Further, the Director-General of the [[Swedish Consumer Agency]] is also designated Consumer Ombudsman, and the [[Chancellor of Justice]] is an ombudsman of sorts. ===Ukraine=== Office of ombudsman in Ukraine was instituted in 1998. Since then it is held by [[Nina Karpachova]], who was reelected for the office 3 times. The last reelection date was February 8, 2007. Ukrainian's ombudsman official site: http://ombudsman.kiev.ua/ ===United Kingdom=== In the United Kingdom a post of Ombudsman is attached to the [[Westminster Parliament]] with additional posts at the [[Scottish Parliament]], the [[Welsh Assembly]] and other government institutions. ====About UK Ombudsman Services==== The primary UK Ombudsman is known as the [[Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman]], also known as the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration (PCA), which looks into complaints "that government departments, their agencies and some other public bodies in the UK - and the [[National Health Service|NHS]] in [[England]] - have not acted properly or fairly or have provided a poor service." The UK Ombudsman will usually investigate complaints 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. ====''List of all Ombudsman Services in the United Kingdom''==== * [[Energywatch]] * [[Estate Agents Ombudsman]] * [[Financial Ombudsman Service]] * [[Financial Services Ombudsman Scheme for the Isle of Man]] * [[Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman|Health Service Ombudsman]] - England [http://www.ombudsman.org.uk (Ombudsman)] * [[Housing Ombudsman Service]] [http://www.ihos.org.uk (HOS)] * [[Legal Services Ombudsman]] * [[Local Government Ombudsman]] - England * [[Northern Ireland Ombudsman]] * [[Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland]] * [[Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman|Parliamentary Ombudsman]] [http://www.ombudsman.org.uk (Ombudsman)] * [[Pensions Ombudsman]] [http://www.pensions-ombudsman.org.uk (Pensions Ombudsman) * [[Prisons and Probation Ombudsman]] * [[Public Services Ombudsman for Wales]] * [[Removals Industry Ombudsman Scheme]] * [[Scottish Legal Services Ombudsman]] * [[Scottish Public Services Ombudsman]] * [[Telecommunications Ombudsman]] (OTELO) * [[Furniture ombudsman]] ====''Shortcomings''==== The impartiality of some UK Ombudsman services has been questioned. In particular the [[Local Government Ombudsman]] - all three current Local Ombudsmen previously served as Chief Executives in Local Government and the Local Government Association played a part in their appointment - have been accused of bias and of merely acting as a rubber stamp. [http://ombudsmanwatch.org] ===United States=== ==== Department of Homeland Security Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman ==== The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman (CIS Ombudsman) http://www.dhs.gov/cisombudsman provides recommendations for resolving individual and employer problems with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). As mandated by the Homeland Security Act of 2002 § 452, The Office of the CIS Ombudsman (CISOMB) is not a part of USCIS, it is an independent DHS office that reports directly to the DHS Deputy Secretary. The DHS CIS Ombudsman: (1) Assists individuals and employers in resolving problems with USCIS; (2) Identifies areas in which individuals and employers have problems in dealing with USCIS; and (3) Proposes changes to mitigate identified problems. By June 30 of each calendar year the Ombudsman submits an annual report to the House and Senate Committees on the Judiciary without any prior comment or amendment from any administrative agency official including: the Secretary, Deputy Secretary, or Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. The Ombudsman’s annual reports focus on identifying systemic issues that cause delay in granting immigration benefits as well as pervasive and serious problems faced by individuals and employers in their interactions with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). ==== United States Navy ==== The [[United States Navy|US Navy]] implemented an ombudsman program in [[1970]], under the direction of [[Elmo Zumwalt|Admiral Elmo Zumwalt]]. Through the Navy Ombudsman Program, communication between the spouses of active duty personnel and the command is kept open, thereby improving the quality of life for everyone involved. The Navy command ombudsman is a volunteer position, with no special favors bestowed upon them. The purpose of this program is to ensure the dependents of active duty personnel have a channel of resources for their needs and quality of life. A command ombudsman can guide you to the help you may need, before, during or after a deployment. The Navy Ombudsman undergoes almost constant training, and is bound by confidentiality in most cases, the exception being any hint of child abuse. An ombudsman meets with department heads aboard a naval installation to find out the latest news, and pass it on, including news on ship deployments, cutting down on potentially harmful gossip. ==== Los Angeles, CA ==== The [[Los Angeles County]] [[Los Angeles County Department of Ombudsman|Department of Ombudsman]] was created via the approval of an ordinance in 1993 by the [[Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors]]. This department was the first of its kind in the state of California and the first nationally involved in law enforcement oversight.<ref>[http://ombudsman.lacounty.info/about_us.asp Los Angeles Department of Ombudsman]</ref> ==== New York City ==== The [[New York Public Advocate]] has an Ombudsman team that investigates and responds to telephone and written complaints/queries regarding city agency services, providing information and referrals. ==== State level ombudsmen ==== The job description for state offices of ombudsmen invariably involves the trouble-shooting function of investigating citizen complaints concerning specific acts by government agencies. For example, in Nebraska the ombudsman's duties are as follows: <blockquote> To receive complaints from the public and from persons working in government; to investigate; and where appropriate to negotiate remedial action with the agencies involved. A secondary duty is to answer questions and assist people with problems relating to government.<ref>Kent M. Weeks, ''Ombudsmen Around the World: A Comparative Chart'', 2d. ed. (Berkeley: University of California, Institute of Governmental Studies, 1978), p. 162.</ref> </blockquote> Since 1967 at least five states have established and continued to employ a full-time ombudsman, i.e Hawaii, Nebraska, Alaska, Iowa, and Arizona. Other states have ombudsmen specific to particular issues. New York State has, for example, a [http://www.ombudsman.state.ny.us/ longterm care ombudsman] whose duties include assistance to residents of nursing homes. The [http://www.dem.ri.gov/programs/ombuds/index.htm Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management] employs an ombudsman "charged with authority to undertake independent, and in certain cases confidential, fact-finding in response to external or internal complaints or questions about the Department's performance." The office is currently held by Thomas Getz.<ref>[http://www.dem.ri.gov/programs/ombuds/index.htm RI DEM/Office of the Ombudsman Home Page]</ref> ==Fictional ombudsmen== In the [[science fiction]] television series, [[Babylon 5]], the arbiters aboard space station ''Babylon 5'' who preside over cases stemming from public complaints are referred to as ''ombuds'' (this is both the singular and plural designation), the gender-neutral title for an ombudsman. Just as with their modern European counterparts, the ombuds only preside over public cases, including robbery, assault, and murder, and do not interpret law as a regular judiciary does. John Perry, the protagonist of ''The Last Colony'', written by John Scalzi starts off the novel as an ombudsman for a newly settled human colony. ==See also== {{Wiktionary}} * [[Administrative incompetence]] * [[Conflict resolution research]] * [[Popular initiative]] ==References== <references/> ==External links== * [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 * [http://www.ombudsmanwatch.org/ OmbudsmanWatch.org] - 'Local Government Ombudsman Watch' (United Kingdom) * [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]] (April 22, 2002) * [http://www.transparency.org/sourcebook/10.pdf/ Transparency.org] - 'What is an Ombudsman' * [http://www.dcaf.ch/_docs/bg_military-ombudsman.pdf DCAF Backgrounder] - 'Military Ombudsman, (May 2005)' * [http://ombuds-blog.blogspot.com/ Ombuds Blog] - 'News and Information For and About Organizational Ombuds' * [http://www.ecmi.de/doc/ombudsman/download/guide_uk.pdf Ombudsman Institutions and Minority Issues], Study by the European Centre for Minority Issues ===Classical/Legislative ombudsmen=== ====Albanian Government Ombudsman==== *[http://www.avokatipopullit.gov.al/ www.avokatipopullit.gov.al] 'Every knock to the official door should be a reminder ring in order that none of us forgets that human rights are the rights belonging to every human being, regardless the age, sex, race, religion, the financial position or the occupation' - Ombudsman Ph.D. Emir Dobjani. ====Australian government ombudsmen==== * [http://www.ombudsman.gov.au/ Ombudsman.gov.au] - 'Commonwealth Ombudsman Australia: Assisting the Australian community by resolving complaints and fostering good government administration' * [http://www.omb-hcscc.nt.gov.au/ Omb-HCSCC.nt.gov.au] - 'Ombudsman for the Northern Territory' * [http://www.ombudsman.vic.gov.au/ ombudsman.vic.gov.au] - Ombudsman Victoria * [http://www.ombo.nsw.gov.au/ OmbO.nsw.gov.au] - New South Wales Ombudsman * [http://www.ombudsman.sa.gov.au/ Ombudsman.sa.gov.au] - The Ombudsman South Australia Office: '[to provide] free, impartial, informal and timely resolution of complaints to promote fairness, openness and good public administration in South Australia' * [http://www.justice.tas.gov.au/ ombudsman/home.html] - Tasmanian Ombudsman: investigates complaints regarding public authority administrative action and contravention of state privacy legislation, conducts Freedom of Information reviews in respect of government agencies and can accept public interest disclosures (ie. whistleblowing complaints) and other miscellaneous functions (eg. auditing of police telephone interception warrants). The Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman is a free and independent alternative dispute resolution scheme for small business and residential consumers in Australia who have a complaint about their telephone or Internet service. Established in 1993 by the Australian Federal Government, the TIO is independent of industry, the government and consumer organisations. The TIO is authorised to investigate complaints about the provision or supply of telephone or Internet services. (information was supplied by the official website of the TIO) ====Azerbaijan government ombudsman==== * [http://www.ombudsman.gov.az/en/The Ombudsman of the Republic of Azerbaijan] ====Brazilian government ombudsmen==== * [http://www.ouvidoria-policia.sp.gov.br/ ouvidoria-policia.sp.gov.br] - 'Ouvidoria da polícia do Estado de São Paulo' * [http://www.ouvidoriasds.rn.gov.br/ ouvidoriasds.rn.gov.br] - 'Ouvidoria da Secretaria de Defesa Social do estado do Rio Grande do Norte' ====Canadian government ombudsmen==== * [http://www.gnb.ca/0073/index-e.asp GNB.ca] - 'The New Brunswick Ombudsman's Office': one central mission: to ensure that all New Brunswick citizens are treated with administrative fairness by government and its agencies. * [http://www.hoa.gov.nl.ca/hoa/links/Citrep/citizen.html HOA.gov.nl.ca] - 'Newfoundland and Labrador Citizens' Representative' * [http://www.gov.ns.ca/ombu/ Gov.ns.ca] - 'Nova Scotia Office of the Ombudsman: If you feel you have been treated unfairly by a provincial or municipal government body, or you have a complaint about a Nova Scotia government service...' * [http://www.ombudsman.bc.ca/ Ombudsman.bc.ca] - 'Ombudsman British Columbia: Promoting Fairness for British Columbians' * [http://www.ombudsman.mb.ca/ Ombudsman.mb.ca] - 'Ombudsman Manitoba' * [http://www.ombudsman.on.ca/ Ombudsman.on.ca] - 'Ombudsman Ontario - Ontario's Watchdog. Mission: to support the need for accountability, transparency and oversight in the provision of government services' * [http://www.protecteurducitoyen.qc.ca/en/index.asp ProtecteurduCitoyen.qc.ca] - 'Le Protecteur du Citoyen' / 'The Québec's Ombudsman' (English language link) * [http://www.ombudsman.yk.ca/ Ombudsman.yk.ca] - 'Office of the Yukon Ombudsman and Information & Privacy Commissioner' * [http://www.legassembly.sk.ca/officers/ombuds.htm LegAssembly.sk.ca] - 'Ombudsman Saskatchewan' * [http://www.ombudsman.ab.ca/index.php Ombudsman.ab.ca] - 'Alberta Ombudsman' * [http://www.ombudsman.forces.gc.ca] - 'Ombudsman for the Department of National Defence and Canadian Forces' * [http://www.ombudsman-veterans.gc.ca/content/] - Veterans Ombudsman ====Chilean ombudsman==== * [http://ombudsman.cl ombudsman.cl] - 'Capitulo Chileno Ombudsman' (in Spanish) ====Czech government ombudsman==== * [http://www.ochrance.cz/ Ochrance.cz] - 'The Office of the Ombudsman in the [[Czech Republic]]' ====European Parliament ombudsman==== * [http://www.ombudsman.europa.eu/home/en/default.htm Ombudsman.europa.eu] - 'The [[European Ombudsman]] Homepage * [http://www.europarl.org.uk/constitution/treatySingleColumn/p069-Constitution-Part3-title06-ch01-s01-sub01.htm EuroParl.org.uk] - Constitution of the [[European Union]] Article III-335 (provisions establishing EU ombudsman) ====Irish ombudsmen==== * [http://ombudsman.gov.ie/en/ The Office of the Ombudsman] * [http://www.oco.ie/ The Ombudsman for Children] * [http://www.financialombudsman.ie/ The Financial Services Ombudsman] ====Israeli ombudsman==== * [http://www.mevaker.gov.il/serve/site/english/eombuds-intro.asp The Office of the Ombudsman] ====New Zealand government ombudsmen==== * [http://www.ombudsmen.govt.nz/ Ombudsmen.govt.nz] - 'The [[New Zealand Chief Ombudsman|Office of the Ombudsmen in New Zealand]]' ====Philippine government ombudsman==== * [http://www.ombudsman.gov.ph/ Ombudsman.gov.ph] - 'The [[Philippine Ombudsman|Office of the Ombudsman]] - [[Philippines|Republic of the Philippines]]' ====Swedish government ombudsmen==== * [http://www.jo.se/Page.aspx?Language=en JO] - ''Justitieombudsmannen'' (Parliamentary Ombudsmen: The Ombudsmen of Justice) * [http://www.bo.se/adfinity.aspx?pageid=85 BO] - ''Barnombudsmannen'' (Ombudsman for Children) * [http://www.do.se/o.o.i.s?id=595 DO] - ''Diskrimineringsombudsmannen'' (Ethnic Discrimination Ombudsman) * [http://www.homo.se/o.o.i.s?id=1210 HomO] - ''Ombudsmannen mot diskriminering på grund av sexuell läggning'' ([[Swedish Ombudsman against Discrimination on Grounds of Sexual Orientation|Ombudsman against Discrimination on Grounds of Sexual Orientation]]) * [http://www.jamombud.se/ JämO] - ''Jämställdhetsombudsmannen'' (Equal Opportunities Ombudsman) * [http://www.konsumentverket.se/ Konsumentverket/KO] - ''Konsumentverket/Konsumentombudsmannen'' (The Swedish Consumer Agency/Consumer Ombudsman)' * [http://www.jk.se/ JK] - ''Justitiekanslern'' (The Chancellor of Justice) ====Ukrainian government ombudsman==== * [http://ombudsman.kiev.ua/ Ombudsman.kiev.ua] - [[Verkhovna Rada|Ukrainian Parliament]] Commissioner for Human Rights ====United Kingdom government ombudsmen==== * [http://www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk/ Financial-Ombudsman.org.uk] - 'The Financial Ombudsman Service: provides consumers with a free, independent service for resolving disputes with financial firms' * [http://www.ihos.org.uk/ IHOS.org.uk] - 'Housing Ombudsman Service': An independent service dealing with complaints against landlords & agents, and other housing disputes' * [http://www.lgo.org.uk/ LGO.org.uk] - 'Commissioner for Local Administration in England: Local Government Ombudsmen's Home Page' * [http://www.ni-ombudsman.org.uk/ NI-Ombudsman.org.uk] - Northern Ireland Ombudsman's Office * [http://www.olso.org/ OLSO.org] - 'Office of the Legal Services Ombudsman' * [http://www.ombudsman.org.uk Ombudsman.org.uk] - 'Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman: Making complaints a positive experience * [http://www.ombudsman.gov.ie/ Ombudsman.gov.ie] - '(Irish) Office of the Ombudsman' * [http://www.ombudsmanwatch.org.uk/ Ombudsmanwatch.org] 'Local Government Ombudsman complaints body' * [http://www.ombudsman-wales.org/ Ombudsman-Wales.org] - 'Public Services Ombudsman for Wales' * [http://www.pensions-ombudsman.org.uk/ Pensions-Ombudsman.org.uk] - 'The Pensions Ombudsman: investigates and decides complaints and disputes about the way that pension schemes are run' * [http://www.otelo.org.uk OTelO.org.uk] - 'Office of the Telecommunications Ombudsman: We are an Ombudsman Service for public communication providers and their customers' * [http://www.scottishombudsman.org.uk/ ScottishOmbudsman.org.uk] - 'Scottish Public Services Ombudsman' ====United States government ombudsmen==== * http://www.dhs.gov/cisombudsman - The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman (CIS Ombudsman) provides recommendations for resolving individual and employer problems with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). *[http://pubadvocate.nyc.gov/index.html pubadvocate.nyc.gov] Although carrying a different official title, the [[New York Public Advocate]] is the ombudsman for residents of New York City * [http://www.ombudmhmr.state.mn.us/ Ombudmhmr.state.mn.us] - 'State of Minnesota Office of the Ombudsman for Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities' * [http://www.ombudsman.state.hi.us/ Ombudsman.state.hi.us] - 'State of Hawaii Office of the Ombudsman: independently and impartially investigates complaints against state and county agencies and employees' * [http://www.legis.state.ia.us/Ombudsman/ http://www.legis.state.ia.us/Ombudsman/] - 'Office of Citizens' Aide Ombudsman, Des Moines, Iowa' * [http://www.azleg.state.az.us/ombudsman/default.htm azleg.state.az.us/ombudsman/default.htm] - 'Arizona's Ombudsman Citizen's Aide' * http://www.state.ak.us/local/akpages/LEGISLATURE/ombud/home.htm - 'State of Alaska Ombudsman' * http://www.tennessee.gov/tccy/ombuds.html - The Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth's (TCCY) Ombudsman Program was established in 1996. The juvenile justice program serves children who are in the foster care system and kinship care or relative caregiver placement. TCCY has statutory authority to review children in state custody and make recommendations for improvement. * http://www.fda.gov/oc/ombudsman/homepage.htm - The goal of FDA's Ombudsman is to help ensure that the agency fulfills its regulatory responsibilities well. In the short term, the Office is dedicated to facilitating problem resolution. In the long term, the Office looks at issues systematically in order to make the process work better. Thus it welcomes more general complaints, comments, and suggestions about FDA's regulatory processes. ===Non-governmental (organizational) ombudsmen=== *[http://trentstamp.blogspot.com/2007/05/new-red-cross-same-old-tricks.html Trent Stamp's Take] - Commentary on the Red Cross selection for Ombudsman *[http://www.oea.co.uk/ OEA.co.uk] - 'Ombudsman for Estate Agents Scheme: A free, fair and independent service for buyers and sellers of residential property in the UK' *[http://sports.espn.go.com/keyword/search?searchString=Le_Anne_Schreiber ESPN] - Ombudsman Le Anne Schreiber is the public's representative to ESPN, offering independent examination and analysis of ESPN's media outlets. The former New York Times sports editor and author will critique decision-making, coverage and presentation of news, issues and events on ESPN television and other media. Schreiber will have a two-year tenure and succeeds George Solomon, ESPN's initial Ombudsman. *[http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?columnId=2781901 National Public Radio] - In October 2007, journalist, author, media critic and educator [[Alicia_Shepard|Alicia C. Shepard]] began a two-year appointment as Ombudsman for NPR. ===Ombudsman associations=== * [http://www.bioa.org.uk/ BIOA.org.uk] - 'British and Irish Ombudsman Association' (BIOA) * [http://www.newsombudsmen.org/ NewsOmbudsman.org] - 'Organization of News Ombudsmen' (ONO) * [http://www.ombudsassociation.org/ OmbudsAssociation.org] - 'The International Ombudsman Association (IOA) * [http://www.usombudsman.org/ USOmbudsman.org] - 'The United States Ombudsman Association: Promoting and supporting fairness, accountability, and equity in government through the public sector ombudsman' * [http://www.english.uva.nl/enohe/enohe_network.cfm/ UVA.nl] - 'The European Network of Ombudsmen in Higher Education' (ENOHE), [[Universiteit van Amsterdam]] *[http://www.law.ualberta.ca/centres/ioi/index.php IOI] - International Ombudsman Institute (IOI) *[http://members.aon.at/eoi/index.htm EOI] - European Ombudsman Institute (EOI) *[http://www.aoa.org.pk/ AOA]- Asian Ombudsman Association (AOA): Promoting and developing the concepts of Ombudsmanship in Asia' *[http://federalombuds.ed.gov CFO] - Coalition of Federal Ombudsman (CFO) - Promoting and Assisting Ombudsman in the United States Government ===Ombudsman directories=== * [http://www.law.ualberta.ca/centres/ioi/eng/resources.html UAlberta.ca] - International Ombudsman Institute (international directory of ombudsmen) * [http://ombuds-blog.blogspot.com/ Ombuds Blog] - 'Info re Organizational Ombuds (includes lists of corporate, academic, governmental, and non-governmental ombuds offices; ombuds job postings; critical ombuds documents; and resources for creating an ombuds office)' [[Category:Ombudsmen|!]] [[Category:Legal occupations]] [[az:Ombudsman]] [[bg:Омбудсман]] [[cs:Ombudsman]] [[da:Ombudsmand]] [[de:Ombudsmann]] [[et:Õigusvahemees]] [[es:Defensor del Pueblo]] [[eo:Ombudsmano]] [[fr:Ombudsman]] [[hr:Pučki pravobranitelj]] [[id:Ombudsman]] [[it:Ombudsman]] [[he:נציבות תלונות הציבור]] [[lv:Tiesībsargs]] [[lb:Ombudsman]] [[hu:Ombudsman]] [[mk:Народен правобранител]] [[nl:Ombudsman]] [[ja:オンブズマン]] [[no:Ombudsmann]] [[pl:Ombudsman]] [[pt:Ombudsman]] [[ru:Омбудсмен]] [[sr:Омбудсман]] [[fi:Oikeusasiamies]] [[sv:Ombudsman]] [[th:ผู้ตรวจการแผ่นดินของรัฐสภา]] [[tr:Ombudsman]]