A key challenge is to develop the entity in such a way that the sources of authority and instruments available to the Ombuds to apply pressure on agencies add up to ensuring proper follow-up of complaints in order to meet the expectations of those who muster up the courage to file a complaint. [...] What is an ombuds? The modern institution of the ombudsman originates in Sweden with the establish- ment of an independent office as far back as the 16th and 17th centuries to safeguard the rights of citizens and to ensure that officials acted in accordance with the laws. [...] The Ombuds mechanism has been adopted by most countries in the world and usually refers to a state official appointed to provide a check on government activity in the interests of the citizen, and in particular to oversee the investigation of complaints of improper government activity. [...] The model is thus flexible and adaptable, but the core of the idea is the independent handling of complaints with the key attributes of the system being inde- pendence, impartiality, neutrality and confidentiality. [...] This latter option was mentioned in a few interviews and resonates with calls from external sources for the set-up of independent tribunals in response to allegations of abuse in the aid sector.24 The different options require different prerequisites to be set up and vary in terms of how easily they can be done in terms of the international buy-in required and the cost and complexity in setting th.
- Pages
- 60
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- Netherlands
