IOI | Vice President Peter Tyndall visits new IOI Board member of Argentina

IOI 2nd Vice President last week met with new IOI Board member Dr Analía Colombo, Provincial Ombudsman for Children and Adolescents (Defensoría Provincial de Niñas, Niños y Adolescentes) for Santa Fe Province in Argentina and representatives from the Santa Fe Ombudsman's Office.  The meeting took place in Rosario.  As well as sharing experiences about the work of their respective offices, they discussed enhancing the role of the IOI in Latin America, the unfortunate delay in appointing the National Ombudsman, the World Conference in Thailand and the forthcoming Spanish language training.  The training is being hosted by the Santa Fe Ombudsman and is being provided by the IOI as part of its services to its members.

In the course of his visit to Argentina Vice President Tyndall also met with NGOs to discuss the work of Ombudsmen in improving public services and protecting human rights.  The World Bank are currently undertaking work in Argentina to enhance the effectiveness of Ombudsman offices.  Peter Tyndall met with the project leader to contribute to his work.  In both contexts the concern about the two year delay in appointing the National Ombudsman was also raised and the IOI will be liaising with colleagues in Argentina to establish whether an intervention might prove helpful.

Vice President Tyndall said "I was inspired by the work of the Santa Fe Ombudsman and Children's Ombudsman in holding services to account and promoting and protecting human rights.  Many of the issues they face, such as the impact of privatisation, are common across continents.  Developing ever closer links between Latin America and the IOI will enable all to benefit from shared experience and solidarity.  Analía will bring a fresh perspective and dynamism to the Board and we look forward to her input."

Source: Office of the Ombudsman of Ireland