BackAt the end of February 2014, delegates at a two-day African Ombudsman Summit adopted a pioneering declaration on the minimum standards for effective ombudsman institutions and cooperation. Hosted by the African Ombudsman Research Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa, the event’s objective was to explore the contribution that Ombudsman institutions can make to the consolidation of democracy, good governance, peace and stability in Africa.
The Summit was attended by heads of Ombudsman institutions (or Public Protectors) from 39 countries across the continent, intergovernmental representatives, academics, NGOs, political parties as well as experts in Ombudsman practice.
The declaration contains ten minimum standards that states across Africa ought to comply with when establishing Ombudsman institutions within their territories. Currently, the standards for African ombudsman institutions vary from one state to another.
The declaration foresees, inter alia, that the independence and autonomy of such institutions should be guaranteed by the respective constitutions. Security of tenure for heads of the ombudsman institutions is mentioned as well. The document recommends a fixed term that is not subject to removal without a just cause. Furthermore, the standards include the mandate, resources, operations, conditions of service, accessibility, impartiality and accountability of Ombudsman institutions.
Please consult the press releases attached for more detailed information.
