N.I Project Brings Ombudsmen and Human Rights Commissioners from around the world to Belfast

26th May 2016

Ombudsmen and Human Rights Commissioners from around the world are in Belfast today to attend the opening of a two-day Conference being jointly hosted by the Office of the Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman and the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission.

The Conference ‘Human Rights – A 21st Century Approach to the Work of Ombudsmen’ is being supported by the International Ombudsman Institute (IOI), to facilitate the international sharing of the outcomes and learning from a ground breaking project by the two local bodies. The project, to develop a step-by-step manual for the clear application of the rights of the individual in the complaint investigative process, has taken the NIPSO and NIHRC three years to complete. The manual has recently been endorsed by the UN High Commissioner on Human rights Prince Zeid.

The significance of the local project for international Ombudsmen and National Human Rights Institutions is reflected in the high calibre of individuals attending the Conference. Contributors and delegates include the Ombudsmen for Europe, Austria, Botswana, Gibraltar, Mauritius, Samoa, South Africa, Victoria in Canada, England, Scotland, Wales and Republic of Ireland and Human Rights Commissioners from Belize, Sierra Leone, the Maldives, Kenya, Mozambique and Scotland. Regulatory and advocacy bodies, academics, legal practitioners and those involved in the delivery of frontline public services locally are also well represented.

Commenting in advance of the Conference Marie Anderson, the Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman said –

“The need for the development of a Human Rights centred manual to appropriately guide Ombudsmen and Complaint Investigators in their sensitive work, arose as a result of a marked increase in the volume of complaints coming before the Northern Ireland Ombudsman which raised Human Rights issues in areas such as health and education. Three years and a lot of hard work later, this week’s Conference positions Northern Ireland at the forefront of knowledge sharing and collaboration in the world of Ombudsmen and Human Rights advocates”.

Les Allamby, the Northern Ireland Human Rights Chief Commissioner added –

“The endorsement of this project by the United Nations, clearly demonstrates that we have something very important to share with the international community. We look forward to presenting our approach to this prestigious and informed audience and receiving their feedback. I have no doubt that there will be a wealth of knowledge and experience shared across the two days.”

Emily O’Reilly, the European Ombudsman, who will be a keynote speaker at the event said –

“Ombudsmen throughout the world perform a crucial human rights function. At a time in Europe when our complacency about the strength of fundamental values in many member states is being challenged and where elsewhere in the world the rights of so many are being daily violated, this is a fitting time for the Ombudsman community to reflect on our role and potential. I look forward to contributing.”

The Conference ‘Human Rights – A 21st Century Approach to the Work of Ombudsmen’ is taking place at the Stormont Hotel, Belfast today, Thursday 26th and tomorrow Friday 26th May 2016.

ENDS

For further information please contact Claire Martin on 02890243987.

NOTES TO EDITORS

You are welcome to attend the Opening session of the Conference at the Stormont Hotel on Thursday 26th May 2016 from 10.00am to 1.00pm. (If this does not suit access at other times will be available)

Interviews of key participants and delegates and filming of the proceedings will be facilitated.

A copy of the Conference Programme - showing key contributors and topics - is attached.

The Role of Ombudsmen

In most countries around the world parliamentary control bodies are established, which monitor and implement the rule of law, the fight against corruption and good public administration. Although the specific role of the Ombudsman institution may vary, the holder of this office is legitimized by parliament – either through direct elections or through appointment by the head of state or government by or after consultation with parliament.

The role of the ombudsman is to protect the people against violation of rights, abuse of powers, unfair decisions and maladministration. Ombudsman institutions play an increasingly important role in improving public administration while making the government’s actions more open and its administration more accountable to the public.

The International Ombudsman Institute (IOI), established in 1978, is the only global organisation for the cooperation of more than 170 independent Ombudsman institutions from more than 90 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.