BackZoom Facilitated Discussion
AOMA and the IOI – Value of Being a Member
25 January 2022, 10.00 am SA (GMT+2)
The existence of Ombudsman institutions ensures a certain access to administrative justice that is not possible without it. The mandate of Ombudsman is to be an effective voice for the voiceless and change agent for good governance, human rights and the rule of law.
The Ombudsman is an independent, impartial public official with authority and responsibility to receive, investigate or informally address complaints about government actions, and, where appropriate, make findings and recommendations, and publish reports.
The African Ombudsman and Mediators Association (AOMA), founded in 2003, is a membership organization of 41 National Ombudsman and 6 sector Ombudsman. The objectives of the AOMA are to encourage the establishment of African Ombudsman institutions; provide information, training and development for Ombudsman and staff; promote good governance; support the independence of Ombudsman offices; and foster affiliation among Ombudsman offices and other relevant institutions.
The International Ombudsman Institute (IOI), established in 1978, is the only global organisation for the cooperation of more than 200 independent Ombudsman institutions worldwide. The IOI is committed to promoting the Ombudsman concept and it does so in a variety of ways. It raises awareness and encourages the creation of Ombudsman institutions where they do not exist. It promotes information exchange and helps members build capacity by way of shared learning and training. The IOI funds research and projects that are of importance to its members and it supports Ombudsman institutions who come under threat or operate under difficult circumstances.
In this webinar, we will discuss the role that AOMA and the IOI play in Africa; their function, how they operate, the value and benefits of being a member and how these institutions could be tools to strengthen the capacity of Ombudsman institutions to be an efficient service that is responsive to the needs of the citizens of their respective countries.
The webinar will be facilitated by Beti Kamya Turwomwe, Inspector General of Government, Uganda. Speakers include Caroline Sokoni, Public Protector, Zambia who will discuss the value of being a member of AOMA; Chris Field, President of the IOI and Western Australian Ombudsman, who will discuss the function of the IOI and how it operates; Werner Amon, IOI Secretary General and Ombudsman of Austria who will discuss the value and benefits of being a member of the IOI and how the institution is a tool to strengthen the capacity of Ombudsman institutions; as well as John Walters, former IOI President and Ombudsman of Namibia and who will explain why it is important to belong to both organisations.
Simultaneous interpretation will be available in English, French, Arabic, Portuguese, and Spanish. REGISTER HERE to save your spot at this Zoom webinar.
