Ombudsman ATRA’s Ombudsman is an open and independent office within ATRA’s structure– it is impartial and neutral. The Ombudsman is an element of checks and balances and is based on the concept of rule of law and acts as an alternative dispute resolution office for the community. The Ombudsman plays an essential role in preventing ATRA’s High Council and Board from gaining absolute power without constraints, accountability, or controls. The Ombudsman has to be effective and efficient, gain the confidence of the public in ATRA and the government. The purpose of establishing this office is to ensure that ATRA promotes the fundamental rights of the people, ensure that ATRA is free of and committed to preventing corruption. The Ombudsman contributes to the development of a democratic system, within ATRA, governed by the rule of law.
The Ombudsman is responsible to safeguard the interests of the industry, the sector, and the consumers– is the defender of the consumer. The role will act as a buffer between ATRA, the private investors, the government, and the people, which makes the Ombudsman’s work challenging, but at the same time rewarding.Authorities and Structure The Ombudsman does not have executive authority, but his/her reports, which are evidence-based, play a major role in shaping the course of ATRA’s action. The Ombudsman acts in accordance with the laws of the country and the norms of international law. Characteristics of Ombudsmanship The Ombudsman’s role is essentially that of a Security Guard. The main characteristic of the ombudsman is his independence vis-à-vis the bodies under his jurisdiction.
The office will:
• Mainly focus on the protection of rights relating to, for example, investment, access to services and information, disputes, income, social security, etc;• Handle complaints of maladministration leading to the injustice and violations of human rights;
• Play an important educational role by guiding the process of transformation from closed governance to an open transparent one that is willing to render account and listen to criticism, as well as informing people of their rights vis-à-vis the authorities and of how they can assert them;
• Help ensure that funds are disbursed in a transparent manner and that the scarce resources are distributed as equitably as possible;
• Investigate cases of corruption when they involve rights violations, and whether the authorities discriminate against certain groups;
• Deal with people’s complaints against staff, a board decision, action or inaction, and the service providers;
The purpose of establishing this office is to ensure that ATRA promotes the fundamental rights of the people, ensure that ATRA is free of and committed to preventing corruption. The Ombudsman contributes to the development of a democratic system, within ATRA, governed by the rule of law.
The Ombudsman is responsible to safeguard the interests of the industry, the sector, and the consumers– is the defender of the consumer. The role will act as a buffer between ATRA, the private investors, the government, and the people, which makes the Ombudsman’s work challenging, but at the same time rewarding.