An ombudsman is an official who is appointed by the government or other authority to investigate complaints made by individuals against public officials, agencies, or institutions.
The ombudsman’s role is to ensure that the individuals are treated fairly and that their rights are protected.
Ombudsmen are typically appointed in democratic countries as an independent body, and they can investigate complaints of maladministration, including abuse of power, corruption, and violation of human rights.
Key Features of the Ombudsman:
- Independence: The ombudsman is an independent body, and Ombudsman is not controlled by the government or by the other authorities.
- Impartiality: The ombudsman is impartial and unbiased, and investigates complaints objectively.
- Accessibility: The ombudsman is accessible to all individuals and is available to receive and investigate complaints.
- Informal: The ombudsman’s investigations are usually informal and do not involve formal legal proceedings.
- Recommendations: The ombudsman can make recommendations for changes to policies and procedures to improve the functioning of public institutions and ensure that the individuals are treated fairly.