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ROLE OF THE AORC IN CAPACITY BUILDING FOR THE INTEGRITY INSTITUTIONS. Adv Ishara Bodasing 14 June 2012. Introduction to AOMA. “Ombudsman” ; “ legislative commissioner for investigating citizens’ complaints of bureaucratic abuse ”
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ROLE OF THE AORC IN CAPACITY BUILDING FOR THE INTEGRITY INSTITUTIONS AdvIsharaBodasing 14 June 2012
Introduction to AOMA • “Ombudsman” ;“legislative commissioner for investigating citizens’ complaints of bureaucratic abuse” • AOMA: created in 2003 at African Ombudsman Regional Conference in Burkina Faso. • Members are official institutions established through enabling acts. • Currently boasts 37 members straddling the six regions (Northern, Eastern, Central, West, Southern and Indian Ocean) • Introduction to AORC • AOMA resolution to establish the African Ombudsman Research Centre (AORC) at a South African university. • launched at a high profile event on 15 March 2011 at UKZN • resource and archive centre of the AOMA, serving as a focal point for ombudsman offices in Africa • provision of information and training
AORC’s Vision & Mission • Vision: provide timely and appropriate support to AOMA • Mission:support AOMA in advancing development of Ombudsman institution for good governance, rule of law, and human rights.” • Values :Uphold ethics of good management, equality, impartiality, human dignity, accountability, integrity, responsiveness, transparency, justice and fairness; • Offering service accountable to AOMA members, providing timeous support. • The Role of AORC • Promoting Ombudsmanship & encourage development in Africa; • Developing professionalism in discharging duties of Ombudsman office wherever such offices are opened; • Supporting understanding of, study of best practices & alignment of role of Ombudsman office with international good practices; • Collection, storage & dissemination of research & data about the institution of Ombudsman as it grows in Africa; • Facilitating exchange of information & experiences among African ombudsman & planning periodic conferences of AOMA members.
Needs Assessment Report • Results highlight need for training especially in practical aspects of operating ombudsman office • Recommended: AORC focus on strengthening operational capacity of ombudsman organizations by providing information & training in: • Understanding of internal practice • Rectifying maladministration • Promoting good governance • Administrative justice/ Law • Complaint reception • Investigation Key features of Strategic Plan
training priorities • Language communication training: Especially French in Anglophone countries, and English in Francophone countries • Ombudsman: Introduction, history, powers & principles. • Investigation techniques- general skills. • General complaints management in ombuds offices (methodology). • Leadership and management skills. • Good governance training- including administrative law, applied constitutional law and selected crucial legal topics. • Rectifying maladministration: advocacy and other steps
Training Project • Support of GIZ, & Queen Margaret University (Edinburgh) AORC is offering a training course for investigators in ombudsman offices • Pilot training from 9 – 13 July 2012 at UKZN Law Faculty, Durban • Course content: • Background, History and Context of the Ombudsman Institution • Complaint Diagnosis and Planning • Investigation Skills. • Reaching Decisions and Reporting • Remedial Action and Learning from Complaints
MOU with UKZN • Advocacy encompasses: • Promoting concept of Ombudsman & encouraging use & development in Africa. • Promoting use of Ombudsman as providers of alternative dispute resolution. • Training, which proposes: • In-service training of Ombudsman, & education (electronic, block and mixed), from paralegal level to masters level in Ombudsman practices for Ombudsman & staff. • Continuous professional development, enhancement of skills & improvement of career prospects. • Sharing of international best practice in ombudsman field.
Capacity Building Programme • Establishment of short courses, modules and specific content for the training and advancement of Ombudsman officials • Forging general linkages with academia for the purpose of knowledge production, research and capacity building; • Stream of knowledge products such as working papers on practical issues in the day to day operation of Ombudsman offices; and • Ongoingmonitoring and evaluation of AOMA and AORC objectives. • Website and other publications • Publish experiences as notes and intellectual products - African Ombudsman Today