news > Webinar Showcases Specialised Children's Ombudsman Offices

Webinar Showcases Specialised Children's Ombudsman Offices

2025/03/25 03:39:39 PM

Tuesday, March 25, 2025 (10 AM SA) GMT+2

This morning, the African Ombudsman Research Centre (AORC), in collaboration with the International Ombudsman Institute (IOI), hosted a significant webinar focused on the crucial role of Children's Ombudsman offices in safeguarding children’s rights across Africa.

Key Highlights:

Opening Remarks:
- Ms Nthoriseng Motsisi
  from the Office of the Public Protector, South Africa, welcomed participants and emphasized the importance of addressing issues affecting children, such as trafficking, statelessness, and lack of access to essential services.
Speakers:
- Honorable Anita Gura from Mauritius discussed the role and mandate of Children's Ombudsman offices, highlighting challenges like delays in reporting and limited resources.
- Honorable Stans Goudsmit from Rotterdam shared case studies on effective interventions, stressing the importance of youth participation and advocacy.
- Honorable Christina Nomdo from South Africa focused on collaboration between Children’s Ombudsman offices, government, NGOs, and international organizations.
Quotes from Speakers:
- Anita Gura: "We need to have a coordination mechanism where all stakeholders can work together to ensure the best interests of the child."
- Stans Goudsmit: "We have to be brave and persistent because not all children are trained to voice their opinions. We need to help them."
- Christina Nomdo: "We need to reimagine childhoods and harness the power of children to think about the future of our societies."
Challenges Addressed:
- Common issues included government compliance, limited resources, and public awareness. Speakers emphasized the need for collaboration and continuous capacity building.
Bullying in Schools:
- All speakers acknowledged that bullying is a global problem affecting children's mental health. They stressed the importance of school protocols, community involvement, and parental education.
Collaboration and Future Steps:
- Participants agreed that protecting children's rights is a shared responsibility. They encouraged ongoing collaboration, advocacy, and action to create a better future for children.

Organizational Support:

The webinar was a joint effort between AORC, AOMA, and the IOI, reflecting their shared commitment to promoting the Ombudsman concept, building capacity, and advocating for vulnerable populations across Africa.

Conclusion:

The webinar provided valuable insights into the unique functions and contributions of Children's Ombudsman offices. It underscored the importance of these institutions in protecting and promoting children’s rights and fostering a safer and more equitable environment for children across Africa.

For those who missed the webinar, recordings and presentations will be available on the AOMA/AORC website: http://aoma.ukzn.ac.za

Stay tuned for more updates from AORC and AOMA on their efforts to strengthen Ombudsman institutions and promote good governance and child rights across the continent.

This collaborative effort between AORC, AOMA, and the IOI underscores their dedication to strengthening Ombudsman institutions and promoting good governance and child rights across the continent.