Webinar: UN Resolution on Ombudsman and Mediators
23 February 2021 / 10 AM (SA, GMT+2)
The African Ombudsman Research Centre (AORC) was established in 2011 as the research and training arm of the African Ombudsman and Mediators’ Association (AOMA). AORC is mandated to promote capacity development, knowledge generation and professionalism within African Ombudsman institutions in furtherance of good governance, the rule of law, and human rights. AORC provides practical regional and tailored training to Ombudsman Offices on topics such as Ombudsman principles and evolution, case handling, investigation skills, report writing, and mediation amongst others.
Webinar: UN Resolution on Ombudsman and Mediators
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. Globally Ombudsman and mediator institutions are increasingly understood (along with other Constitutionally established independent oversight institutions such as Auditors General and Electoral Commissions) to be the fourth – integrity - branch of government.
The United Nations Resolution on Ombudsman and mediator institutions was adopted by the UN General Assembly on 16 December 2020. The resolution represents a strong endorsement of the key principles of Ombudsman institutions, including independence, objectivity, transparency, fairness and impartiality. It is an important further step in securing worldwide recognition for the work of Ombudsman institutions in promoting good administration, human rights, good governance and the rule of law.
The resolution provides strong endorsement of the Principles on the Protection and Promotion of the Ombudsman Institution (the Venice Principles) and establishes these principles as the new global standard for the Ombudsman for the first time. This is an important step to strengthen independent and autonomous Ombudsman and mediator institutions worldwide and to raise awareness at international level for the essential role these institutions play in the protection and promotion of human rights. It confirms and reinforces the importance of a close cooperation between the United Nations and the International Ombudsman Institute (IOI).
Webinar Goal: Following on from the facilitated discussion around the threats facing the Ombudsman institution, AORC is collaborating with the International Ombudsman Institute (IOI) to conduct a webinar on the UN Resolution and the Venice Principles and their great significance to the Ombudsman and mediator institution in Africa and the world.
The International Ombudsman Institute (IOI), established in 1978, is the only global organisation for the cooperation of currently 205 independent Ombudsman institutions from more than 100 countries worldwide. The IOI is organised in six regional chapters (Africa, Asia, Australasia & Pacific, Europe, the Caribbean & Latin America and North America). In its effort to focus on good governance and capacity building, the IOI supports its members in a threefold way: training, research and regional subsidies for projects.
This webinar would enhance the knowledge of Ombudsman and their staff throughout the continent on the significance of the United Nations Resolution on the Ombudsman and the Venice Principles as the first global standard for the protection and promotion of Ombudsman institutions.
Webinar Method: Each Speaker will incorporate a mix of presentations and responses to questions raised before and during the webinar.
Please note: There will be no live question and answers due to time constraints.
Participants: Ombudsman, their staff and other interested participants.
Language: Simultaneous interpretation will be available in English, French, Arabic and Portuguese.
Agenda: Tuesday, 23 February 2021 (10 AM SA) GMT+2
Click HERE to RSVP: https://ukzn.zoom.us/j/99443182003?pwd=QzFneWJCKy9oSzBQcTh4Nmk0NDZkZz09
Order of Proceedings -Webinar for UN Resolution on the Ombudsman - 2021.02.01