World’s ombudsman community descends on Bangkok

Hundreds of ombudsmen from around the globe are in Bangkok for the 11th World Conference of the International Ombudsman Institute (11th IOI World Conference).
The event, held under the principle theme “Evolution of Ombudsmanship”, finishes on Saturday.
Thailand’s Ombudsman for Chief Ombudsman, Viddhavat Rajatanun, said yesterday at a press conference that participants would extensively discuss the changing roles and evolution of ombudsmen as they evolved from classical ombudsmen to hybrid ombudsmen. 
He said many aspects would be covered including the protection of people’s rights, anti-corruption and ombudsmen being specially set up to investigate specific issues.
He said the conference would also provide an opportunity for each member country to exchange information and experiences that could benefit the ombudsman community. The conference aims to achieve goals in promoting the role of ombudsmen including raising global awareness of the role of the ombudsman as an efficient organisation.
“This is the first official meeting of the ombudsman institutes. It is an international forum for them to exchange both academic and technical knowledge that will lead to the upgrade of working standards of each organisation involving the investigation of state law enforcement, ensuring that  states provide justice and fairness while protecting human rights in line with international standards,” Viddhavat said. 
The organiser also expects that the conference will provide an opportunity for Thailand to seek bilateral or multilateral cooperation with other countries to establish a network of ombudsmen so they can work together to help people who suffer from unfair practices arising from public administrations.
The International Ombudsman Institute (IOI), with more than 100 member countries, was established in 1978 as a forum for the international ombudsman community to exchange knowledge and share experiences.
That was done with the goal of developing ombudsman knowledge, promoting good governance practices, and protecting human rights and freedom. 
It is also the stage for ombudsmen from each country to extend their roles and widen recognition among ombudsman communities which will lead to further cooperation at the international level. 
Attending the conference are noted ombudsman including John R. Walters, president of the IOI and the ombudsman of Namibia and Dr Gunther Krauter, the ombudsman of Austria and IOI secretary general.