New UN resolution underlines the importance of ombudspersons
On December 17, 2024, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution highlighting the important role of ombudspersons and ombudsmen in our societies. This resolution recognizes their role as essential: Protecting human rights, promoting good governance and ensuring the rule of law by narrowing the gap between citizens and public services.
The resolution emphasizes the impact of ombudspersons in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 16, which aims to build inclusive societies and strengthen public institutions. It recognizes that ombudspersons make an important contribution to this goal by providing free and accessible complaint mechanisms, identifying systemic problems and thus improving public administration at all levels effectively and responsibly.
The United Nations General Assembly also emphasizes the importance of appointing contact persons in the administration to deal with complaints effectively.
The resolution calls on states to establish ombudsman and mediation services in accordance with the Venice Principles, to ensure the independence of ombudspersons, to provide them with sufficient resources to act freely and effectively, and to recognize their importance in strengthening democracy.
veröffentlicht: 18.03.2025