UN | UN Resolution underlines important role of Ombudsman in achieving the SDGs

On 17 December 2024, the UN General Assembly adopted the Resolution on The role of Ombudsman and mediator institutions in the promotion and protection of human rights, good governance and the rule of law.

The Kingdom of Morocco, who is considered to be the pen holder of this resolution, led the process of negotiations on new amendments. Thanks to the active involvement of IOI First Vice-President and Moroccan Ombudsman Mohamed Benalilou, the IOI was able to advocate for the incorporation of amendments to this important set of standards for strong and independent Ombudsman institutions.

With this newly adopted resolution, the UN acknowledges the essential efforts of Ombudsman institutions in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially Goal 16 on building effective, accountable and inclusive institutions. It recognizes that Ombudsman institutions contribute significantly to this goal by providing free and accessible complaints mechanisms, identifying systemic issues, and thus enhancing public administration at all levels.

The resolution also notes with concern the challenges Ombudsman institutions face in the midst of conflict situations, systemic discrimination or the devastating impacts of climate change. It underlines the importance of focal points in public administration to ensure the efficient handling of complaints and calls upon member states to refrain from abolishing Ombudsman institutions where they exist with a view to upholding the right to access to justice and accountable public administration.

Source: IOI General Secretariat