Role of Ombudsman Institution over the administration

• Author: Mirlinda Batalli
• Position: University of Pristina, Kosovo
• Pages: 232-240

IIPCCL Publishing, Tirana-Albania

Academic Journal of Business, Administration, Law and Social Sciences Vol. 1 No. 3

November 2015

ISSN 2410-3918

Acces online at www.iipccl.org

232

Role of Ombudsman Institution over the administration

Prof. Dr. Mirlinda Batalli

University of Pristina, Kosovo

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to review the role of Ombudsman institution in increasing the

accountability, efficiency, transparency in public administration and promoting a higher level

on protection of human rights. The article analysis that ombudsmen have become a crucial

part of the political, social and legal actuality in different countries of the world. As a dedicated

institution on protecting citizens’ rights, an Ombudsman can be considered as a mechanism

to promote democracy, civil rights, rule of law, reforms in public administration and combat

maladministration.

This paper discusses two particular issues: the concept of Ombudsman institution in general

and its role in promoting good administration and governance. By doing so, it raises a multilevel

argument for more transparency, effectiveness and accountability in the work of public

administration.

Keywords: Ombudsman institution, good administration, European Ombudsman, human rights,

public administration.

Introduction

The Ombudsman, by its nature, is an independent office or an individual that deals

with protecting people from violation of their rights, insults, mistakes, negligence

and unfair decisions of public administration. Ombudsman presents a new type of

guarantee for the rights and fundamental freedoms of individuals and organizations.

In the modern world, the influence of this institution is increasing every day. In general,

the activities of the Ombudsman are connected between the state and civil society.

One of the key functions of the Ombudsman is to exercise control over the activity of

the state authorities by considering citizens’ complaints against the actions of bodies

or their officials who breach human and citizens’ rights and freedoms. In this aspect,

Ombudsman’s important function is to conduct investigations, to provide

recommendations, to have the violated rights restored and submit proposals on

amending legislation or revising the unlawful administrative practices of the bodies

of state authorities.

The independence and neutrality of the Ombudsman, together with the broad powers

of investigation granted to the office are some of the essential features of the

Ombudsman required for its effective operation (Ayeni, Thomas & Reif, 2000).

Over the decades, Ombudsman is considered as an essential element of the democratic

system of the state. Ombudsman institution has proved its efficiency not only as

important mechanism of public oversight authorities, but also as important

extrajudicial procedure for resolving the conflict and improving relations between