The Ombudsman, Ms Connie Lau, announced a direct investigation to examine whether the mechanism of the Housing Department (HD) for taking follow-up action against unauthorised alterations by public housing tenants in their units is adequate and effective.

The International Ombudsman Institute (IOI) issued an open letter in support of South African Public Protector Adv. Thuli Madonsela, who is exposed to open hostility as a result of an investigation into allegations of impropriety and unethical conduct relating to the implementation of security measures at the private residence of the President.

On 30 May, the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) published its Fundamental Rights Report 2016. The report examines challenges and achievements while also proposing measures to ensure fundamental rights are respected.

The Provincial Ombudsman Sindh, Mr Asad Ashraf Malik, was able to help a retired government employee, who approached the office with a complaint concerning outstanding commutation.

Ontario Ombudsman Paul Dubé announced an investigation into the city of Brampton’s procurement practices this week. The announcement marks the Ombudsman’s first systemic investigation relating to a municipality, since the Ombudsman’s mandate was expanded to include the province’s municipalities as of 1 January 2016.

A poorly targeted and disproportionate public transport fare enforcement system unfairly punishes many travellers in an attempt to snare a small number of recidivist evaders, according to an investigation by the Victorian Ombudsman Deborah Glass.

Irish Ombudsman Peter Tyndall appeared in the second episode in the “How to be an Active Citizen” series on 22 May 2016. The Ombudsman’s appearance on RTE Radio is accessible online.

The Public Services Ombudsman for Wales has issued a “special report” against a Welsh Health Board for the first time ever after it failed to carry out recommendations it previously agreed to.