July 2010
OMBUDSMAN COMMUNITY MOURNS DEATH OF PROVINCIAL OMBUDSMAN OF VOJVODINA
It is with great regret that International Ombudsman Institute (I.O.I.) has learned about the death of Prof. Dejan Janča, Provincial Ombudsman of Vojvodina, who died on 2 July 2010, following a brief illness.
Prof. Janča was a distinguished diplomat, a brilliant law expert and a highly respected member of the UN Human Rights Committee in New York as well as the Humanities Committee of the European Scientific Foundation in Brussels. Prof. Janča, who dedicated his life and career to the protection of human rights, was elected Provincial Ombudsman of Vojvodina in October 2009.
The International Ombudsman Institute, on behalf of all its members, would like to express its deepest sympathy. Mr. Janča’s passing is a great loss and our thoughts go out to his family, his friends and the staff of the office of the Provincial Ombudsman of Vojvodina.
June 2010
MATS MELIN ACTING PRESIDENT OF THE I.O.I.
I.O.I. Vice-President Mats Melin is Acting President of the I.O.I. until the annual Board of Directors meeting this coming October in Bermuda when a new President will be elected.
RETIREMENT OF I.O.I. PRESIDENT BILL ANGRICK
When Bill Angrick retired from his position as Iowa Ombudsman on 25 June 2010, he also ceased to be President of the I.O.I. During his presidency, which spanned more than five years, Bill Angrick was a constant resource and advocate for the needs of ombudsman institutions all over the world. The I.O.I. is grateful to his former President for his representation and the achievements the I.O.I. realized under his guidance.
FINNISH PARLIAMENTARY OMBUDSMAN PUBLISHES JUBILEE BOOK
The Parliamentary Ombudsman has been one of Finland’s two supreme overseers of legality and celebrated its 90 years anniversary in early February 2010. To mark this occasion the Parliamentary Ombudsman published the book “Parliamentary Ombudsman 90“. The book consists of essay-type articles which deal with the Ombudsman’s oversight of legality. All articles can be downloaded free of charge on the Finnish Parliamentary Ombudsman’s website.
http://www.oikeusasiamies.fi/Resource.phx/eoa/english/publications/jubilee-book.htx
I.O.I. OFFERS TRAINING PROGRAMME FOR OMBUDSMAN STAFF
The General Secretariat is currently implementing a first row of projects that aim at enhancing the cooperation within the ombudsman community and fostering the exchange of best-practise examples. We are therefore pleased to announce the first:
I.O.I. / “Sharpening Your Teeth”-Training
This educational programme will be held from 14 to 17 November 2010 at the I.O.I. General Secretariat in Vienna, Austria. It is specifically designed for staff members of ombudsman institutions and based on the format “Sharpening Your Teeth” that was successfully established by the Ontario Ombudsman in 2005. This specific I.O.I. edition will be held in English and offers a three-day training on systemic investigations.
The I.O.I. is delighted to be able to offer this high-profile training to I.O.I. member institutions in good standing free of charge. In addition, the I.O.I. will fund five scholarships for I.O.I. member institutions with limited resources.
For further information on programme and scholarships please contact the I.O.I. General Secretariat at (ioi@volksanw.gv.at).
LINKS:
May 2010
OMBUDSMAN COMMUNITY MOURNS DEATH OF SIR CECIL CLOTHIER
It is with great regret that the I.O.I. has learned about the passing of the former parliamentary commissioner for administration and health service commissioner for England, Wales and Scotland Sir Cecil Clothier.
Sir Cecil Clothier, who served five years as parliamentary commissioner for administration and health service commissioner for England, Wales and Scotland died in May 2010 at the age of 90. He was a distinguished member of the international Ombudsman community and always dedicated his life to the public cause.
During his impressive career Sir Cecil Clothier was a crown court judge (1965-78) and a judge of appeal in the Isle of Man (1972-78). He was a legal assessor to the General Medical and Dental councils and a member of the Royal Commission on National Health (1976-78). The following year, 1979, he became parliamentary commissioner for administration and health service commissioner for England, Wales and Scotland, a post he held until 1984. In 1985 he was elected the first chairman of the Police Complaints Authority (1985-89).
The International Ombudsman Institute, on behalf of all its members, would like to express its deepest sympathy. Sir Cecil Clothier’s passing is a great loss for the international Ombudsman community and our thoughts go out to his family, friends and former colleagues.
April 2010
OMBUDSMAN COMMUNITY MOURNS POLISH HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDER'S TRAGIC DEATH
The International Ombudsman Institute, on behalf of all of its members, would like to express its deepest sympathy on the tragic death of the Human Rights Defender of the Republic of Poland, Dr Janusz Kochanowski. He was killed in a plane crash on 10 April 2010 when he was traveling to Russia with a presidential delegation to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Katyn massacre.
March 2010
GERMANY: NEW CHAIR OF THE SCHLESWIG-HOLSTEIN PARLIAMENT PETITIONS COMMITTEE
Katja Rathje-Hoffmann was nominated Chairperson of the incoming Parliament Petitions Committee of Schleswig-Holstein and will replace the previous chair holder Detlef Buder.
Ms. Rathje-Hoffmann started her political career as a member of the German Christian Democrat Party (CDU). Together with deputy chairman Jens-Uwe Dankert, she will preside the Parliament Petitions Committee with its 13 members, which is responsible for the processing of complaints filed to the Schleswig-Holstein Parliament.
UK: NEW LOCAL GOVERNMENT OMBUDSMAN APPOINTED
Dr. Jane Martin has been appointed as Local Government Ombudsman. She took up her post in the Coventry office on 11 January 2010 joining the two other Local Government Ombudsmen, Tony Redmond and Anne Seex. Dr. Martin brings many years’ experience of local government and the wider public sector to the post. Dr. Martin was Director of Policy & Engagement and Deputy Chief Executive at the Local Better Regulation
Office. Prior to her move into the public sector, she had an academic career at the University of Birmingham and, more recently, was a senior research fellow in public leadership at Warwick Business School.
EUROPE: I.O.I. RVP MEETS PRESIDENT OF THE ITALIAN REPUBLIC
Mr. Rafael Ribó, Regional Vice-President of the European chapter of the I.O.I., attended the annual coordination meeting of the Italian Ombudsman held in Rome on 25 January 2010. Mr. Ribó took the opportunity to meet with the President of the Italian Republic, Mr. Giorgio Napolitano. He expressed the I.O.I.’s concern regarding the abolishment of the local Ombudsman institutions in Italy. The President showed great interest and assured a close observation of this matter.
ITALY: NEW REGIONAL OMBUDSMAN IN THE TRENTINO
Dott. Raffaello Sampaolesi was appointed new Regional Ombudsman of the autonomous province of the Tretino and will replace the previous ombudswoman, Prof. Donata Borgonovo.
http://www.consiglio.provincia.tn.it/consiglio /difensore_civico.it.asp
EUROPE: EUROPEAN OMBUDSMAN RE-ELECTED
Mr. Nikiforos Diamandouros was re-elected European Ombudsman by the members of the European Parliament on 20 January 2010 by 340 votes out of 648. After his re-election Mr. Diamandouros ensured that he was very grateful for this vote of confidence in his work and that he was looking forward to continue his efforts for the benefit of European citizens.
http://www.ombudsman.europa.eu
IN MEMORY OF NORA SALOMONS
In 1987 Nora Salomons became the first Municipal Ombudsman of Amsterdam. She has laid the foundation of the institute and performed her task in a strong and convincing way. ‘Nora’ became a phenomenon for authorities and for citizens. From her social democratic background, she fiercely fought injustice and maladministration. We will remember Nora’s striking personality and dedication.
Ulco van de Pol, Municipal Ombudsman
Petra Visscher, Executive Officer
(former) staff
ITALY: NEW REGIONAL OMBUDSMAN OF PIEDMONT
Avv. Antonio Caputo was appointed new Regional Ombudsman of the region of Piedmont in January 2010 following Dott. Francesco Incandela. Mr. Caputo previously worked as a lawyer and also practised as a honorary judge in the Civil Magistrates Court of Turin.
http://www.consiglioregionale.piemonte.it/organismi/dif_civico/index.htm
SLOVAKIA: NEW LIAISON OFFICER
In February 2010 Ms. Katarína Ďurišová has been assigned as new Liaison Officer for the Office of the Public Defender of Rights of Slovakia. She succeeds Ms. Lenka Bodnarova, who will change her field of activity to the area of children’s rights within the Office of the Public Defender of Rights in Slovakia.
SPAIN: CATALAN OMBUDSMAN REAPPOINTED
On 10 February 2010 the Catalan Parliament reappointed Mr. Rafael Ribó as Catalan Ombudsman by a vast majority. Mr. Ribó, who has also been elected as Regional Vice-President of the European chapter of the I.O.I., will fill the position as Catalan Ombudsman for a term of 9 years.
TUNISIA: NEW OMBUDSWOMAN
On 19 February 2010 Ms. Saida Rahmouni was appointed as the new Ombudswoman of the Republic of Tunisia. She will replace former Ombudswoman Alifa Farouk, who has been nominated as ambassador to Berlin, Germany. Ms. Rahmouni, who is a former professor of sociology has longstanding experience as director of a research and training centre for woman. She has been nominated as Ombudswoman for a term of five years.
NEW ZEALAND: CHIEF OMBUDSMAN REAPPOINTED
Ms. Beverley Wakem has been reappointed as Chief Ombudsman of New Zealand
by his Excellency the Governor General in effect 1 March 2010. As Regional Vice-President of the Australasia and Pacific chapter of the I.O.I. Ms. Wakem contributes highly to the I.O.I.’s work.
http://www.ombudsmen.parliament.nz
AUSTRALIA: COMMONWEALTH OMBUDSMAN ON THE MOVE
Professor John McMillan, Commonwealth Ombudsman since 2003, has taken leave from his role as he has been appointed Information Commissioner Designate. In his new function Professor McMillan will have a significant role in implementing the Government’s information policy reforms and in promoting and leading a prodisclosure culture across government
AZERBAIJAN: COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS RE-ELECTED
On 5 March 2010, Prof. Elmira Suleymanova has been re-elected for a second term as Human Rights Commissioner of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
GERMANY: CITIZEN’S COMMISSIONER RESIGNED FROM OFFICE
The Citizen’s Commissioner of the State of Rhineland-Palatinate and President of the European Ombudsman Institute (EOI) Mr. Ullrich Galle, resigned from office on 31 March 2010. The office of the Commissioner will temporarily be run by the Deputy Commissioner Peter Schöpflein.
AUSTRALIA: MEETING OF THE APOR REGION
The annual meeting of the members of the Australasia and Pacific Region of the I.O.I. was held from 18 to 19 March 2010 in Canberra, Australia. Elections were held in which Hong Kong Ombudsman Alan Lai and his Papua New Guinea colleague Chronox Manek were reelected as members to the I.O.I. Board of Directors. New Zealand’s Chief Ombudsman Beverley Wakem was confirmed in her function as Regional Vice-President to the Australasia and Pacific Region of the I.O.I.
ANGOLA: NEW REGIONAL VICEPRESIDENT FOR THE AFRICAN REGION OF THE I.O.I.
I.O.I. Members of the African region took the opportunity of the 3rd General Assembly of the AOMA held in Angola from 10 to 15 April, to schedule a meeting of the African chapter of the I.O.I. During this meeting, elections were held to fill the vacancy created by the departure of former Regional Vice-President Mr. Enoch Chibwana. Namibia Ombudsman Mr. John Walters has been elected new Regional Vice-President to the African chapter of the I.O.I.
IN MEMORY OF HENRIQUE NASCIMENTO RODRIGUES
It is with great regret that the I.O.I. has learned about the passing of former Portuguese Ombudsman, Mr. Henrique Nascimento Rodrigues on 11 April 2010 at the age of 69. Mr. Nascimento Rodrigues, who served two terms as Portuguese Ombudsman, has been a valuable member of the international ombudsman community. During his impressive career he was elected twice Vice-President of the Iberoamerican Federation of Ombudsman (FIO) and therefore significantly contributed to an enhanced cooperation between ombudsman institutions in Europe and South America. The I.O.I. would like to express its deepest sympathy to his family, his friends and colleagues in these days of mourning.
KYRGYZSTAN: OMBUDSMAN INJURED DURING RIOTS IN THE CAPITAL
Kyrgyz Ombudsman, Mr. Tursunbek Akun had been attacked and seriously injured during the unrest in the Kyrgyz capital Bishkek. Mr. Akun was hospitalised but is
said to be on his way to recovery and to have taken up work again. As a first reaction, a letter by President William Angrick and Secretary General Peter Kostelka has been sent to Mr. Akun to express their concern on behalf of the I.O.I. and all its members.
January 2010
ITALY APPROVES NEW LAW TO ABOLISH LOCAL OMBUDSMAN INSTITUTIONS
The Italian government approved a new financial law (Legge Finanziaria) for 2010, according to which towns will have to abolish their local Ombudsman institutions. Due to a vote of confidence this new law passed without public discussion. As a consequence, all local Ombudsman institutions will gradually cease to exist as the offices will no longer be re-assigned after the next election of the corresponding city council. The government justified this step with the necessity of reducing costs as other positions in the city council would be abolished as well.
Italy does not have a national Ombudsman institution and regional Ombudsman institutions only exist in some parts of the country. Therefore, specifically in regions such as Sicily, Umbria, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Puglia, Calabria or Sardinia, local Ombudsman institutions are of major importance to the public. The new regulation will specifically concern the weakest members of Italian society who usually do not address the Ombudsman of the Region or Province and who will no longer be able to address their local ombudsman.
The financial argument put forward by the Government does however not take into account how much money is saved by simply avoiding legal proceedings through the mediation work of an Ombudsman. Furthermore, some regions such as Tuscany, Veneto, Emilia-Romagna and Lombardy already agreed on cutting costs by establishing one single Ombudsman institution to represent several towns of the region.
It can also be assumed that this new regulation violates the Italian Constitution. According to the Italian constitution Italian towns are granted autonomy and can therefore provide the legal basis for an Ombudsman institution through their local constitution.
Since Italy does not have the legal basis to introduce a national Ombudsman and local Ombudsman institutions have been introduced according to local constitutions, not all local Ombudsman institutions have the same standard as regards impartiality and independence. However, the majority of local Ombudsman institutions does fulfil these requirements. Unfortunately the new law comes at a moment when local Ombudsman institutions started establishing an effective network with the Coordination of Regional Ombudsman and cooperation was flourishing.
Vittorio Gasparrini
Office of the Ombudsman of the Tuscany Region
Ombudsman of the Towns of Figline Incisa and Rignano, Florence Italy
Member of the Executive Board of the European Ombudsman Institute
December 2009
PAPUA NEW GUINEA: ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT ON CHIEF OMBUDSMAN
Papua New Guinea Ombudsman Chronox Manek was shot and seriously wounded in an assassination attempt outside his Port Moresby home on 11 December 2009.
The I.O.I. condemns the shooting of Chief Ombudsman Manek, who is known to be a dedicated fighter against corruption. Mr. Manek’s fate has shown that an ombudsman who takes his task seriously, also takes a personal risk.
As a first reaction, a message by President William Angrick and Secretary General Peter Kostelka was sent to Mr. Manek to express their concern on behalf of the I.O.I. The international ombudsman family hopes that he will recover quickly and continue to carry out his important work. The I.O.I. is proud of having such a courageous ombudsman on its Board of Directors.
MACAO: COMMISSIONER’S TERM ENDS
Mr. Cheong U will leave the Commission Against Corruption (CCAC) as his term ended on 19 December 2009. He will serve as Secretary of Social Affairs and Culture. Mr. Cheong U expressed his gratitude to the I.O.I. for providing continued support to the CCAC and emphasized that he appreciated the opportunity to form an integral part of the I.O.I. as a member of the Board. He expressed his belief that his successor will continue the close cooperation between the CCAC and the I.O.I.
MEXICO: NEW PRESIDENT FOR NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
On 17 November 2009 the Senate of the United States of Mexico has distinguished Dr. Raúl Plascencia Villanueva to chair the Mexican National Human Rights Commission, for a five year term.
Mr. Plascencia Villanueva reiterated his commitment to work closely with institutions such as the I.O.I. and is looking forward to share experiences and best practices in the field of human rights and good governance.
As new chair of the Mexican National Human Rights Commission, Mr. Plascencia Villanueva designated Ambassador Luis Ortiz Monasterio to be the new Executive Secretary of the institution.
NEW OMBUDSWOMAN FOR VORARLBERG (AUSTRIA)
Gabriele Strele was elected by the Parliament of the Land Vorarlberg as new Ombudswoman and took up office on 30 October 2009 following Dr. Felix Dünser who returned after his non-renewable six year term to the judiciary.
Gabriele Strele previously worked in the field of adult education and in private law practise. She has completed training as a mediator and is Vice President of the Austrian Family Association. Gabriele Strele earned a law degree from the University of Innsbruck.
Ombudswoman Strele is now responsible for complaints relating to the administration of the country and communities within Vorarlberg. In addition she acts as Treasurer of the European Ombudsman Institute in Innsbruck.
SOUTH AFRICA: NEW PUBLIC PROTECTOR TAKES OFFICE
Advocate Thulisile (Thuli) Nomkhosi Madonsela, was appointed by the President as South Africa’s third Public Protector in October 2009 after being recommended by Parliament following a hundred percent vote in her favour by all parties represented in Parliament.
A human rights and constitutional lawyer, equality expert and policy specialist with over two decades of post legal qualification experience, Advocate Madonsela had previously been the only full-time Commissioner in the South African Law Reform Commission. One of the drafters of South Africa’s post apartheid constitution, Advocate Madonsela is also co-architect of Justice Vision 2000, the National Action Plan on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights. Advocate Madonsela holds a BA Law (UNI WA) and an LLB (Wits).
http://www.publicprotector.org
AUTONOMOUS PROVINCE OF VOJVODINA: NEW OMBUDSMAN
The Parliament of the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina elected Mr. Dejan Janca as the new Provincial Ombudsman of Vojvodina on its meeting held on 15 October 2009. Mr. Janca was elected with 104 MP votes in his favor and will replace Mr. Petar Teofilovic, after a six-year mandate.
Mr. Janca has previously had a professional career in human rights protection both internationally and locally. Amongst others, he was the head of the Public International Law Department of the Law School of the University of Novi Sad, a member of the UN Human Rights Committee in New York as well as the ambassador of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia in Hungary.
SOUTH KOREA: NEW HEAD OF THE ANTI-CORRUPTION AND CIVIL RIGHTS COMMISSION
In August 2009 Yang Kun, the first chief of the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission, resigned for personal reasons. He returned to Hanyang University where he had previously served as a law professor.
The new Chairman of the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission Jae Oh Lee took office as of 30 September 2009. Jae Oh Lee was member of the 15th, 16th and 17th National Assembly and served in various important functions such as Chairman of the special Committee on political reform and Supreme Council Member, GNP, as well as special messenger of Presidentelect Lee in 2008. He graduated from the School of Economics, Joongang University and holds a Honorary Doctor of Political Science, Chung-Ang University.
CAYMAN ISLANDS: NEW OMBUDSWOMAN APPOINTED
In June 2009 United Kingdom lawyer Nicola Williams was appointed by the Office of the Governor as the new Complaints Commissioner for the Cayman Islands Government. Ms. Williams, who is a former Commissioner with the Independent Police Commission for London and the South East in England, replaced Dr. John Epp who held the post for the past three years.
Ms. Williams has over eight years of experience investigating, mediating and resolving complaints and worked nearly 16 years as a Barrister in private practice. Ms. Williams has a law degree from the University of the South Bank in London.
I.O.I. BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
A very successful inaugural meeting of the I.O.I. Board of Directors was held in Vienna, Austria. From November 18 through November 20 the members of the Board met in the premises especially prepared for the I.O.I. by the Austrian Ombudsman Board.
The I.O.I. General Secretariat thanks the Austrian Ombudsman Board, the City of Vienna, the Austrian Parliament and the Vienna Insurance Group for sponsoring this event.
