RSI submitted evidence to the Joint Committee on Human Rights (JCHR) on the creation of a Human Rights Ombudsperson.
RSI welcomes this initiative and recommends that such an institution is vested with various powers and resources to facilitate its mandate:
- The Venice Principles remains one of the most relevant guiding frameworks for safeguarding independent, legitimate, fair, objective, and transparent Ombudsperson offices. Yet, the decision-making process for the creation of this institution should review other successful cases of independent Ombudspersons at national and regional levels.
- A Human Rights Ombudsperson should have the power to initiate investigations upon their own initiative, access confidential information from public and private entities, cooperate with other State institutions, and engage with civil society organisations.
- An adequate budget allocation is fundamental for ensuring efficient Human Rights Ombudspersons. Sufficient financial resources can guarantee the availability of trained professionals to undertake the core roles of the institution, media visibility and the creation of thematic ombudspersons to tackle sensitive issues and vulnerable communities.
- RSI highlights the fundamental role of civil society and communities in safeguarding the core principles of Human Rights Ombudspersons. They can provide valuable input to ensure that the Ombudsperson has a legitimate, credible, and impactful role in defending and promoting human rights.
Find more information of RSI’s submission using the following link.
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