United Nations Resolution on the Ombudsman institution

The International Ombudsman Institute (IOI) has welcomed the United Nations Resolution on the Ombudsman institution, which was adopted by the UN General Assembly on 16 December 2020.

The UN resolution represents a strong endorsement of the key principles of ombudsman institutions, including independence, objectivity, transparency, fairness and impartiality.  It is an important further step in securing worldwide recognition for the work of Ombudsman institutions in promoting good administration, human rights, good governance and the rule of

The IOI welcomed the adoption of this resolution, as it provides strong endorsement of the Principles on the Protection and Promotion of the Ombudsman Institution (the Venice Principles) and establishes these principles as the new global standard for the Ombudsman for the first time.

This is an important step to strengthen independent and autonomous Ombudsman institutions worldwide and to raise awareness at international level for the essential role Ombudsman institutions around the world play in the protection and promotion of human rights. It confirms and reinforces the importance of a close cooperation betwee the IOI and the United Nations.

The final document is available here in its English, French and Spanish version.