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UN Resolution will strengthen work in the Pacific, Ombudsman says

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Work to support and develop integrity institutions across the Pacific will be strengthened by a United Nations Resolution affirming the importance of the Ombudsman role, says Chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier.

“The UN General Assembly’s Resolution gives due weight to the importance of Ombudsman and mediator roles, and strongly encourages all UN member states to consider creating and strengthening independent and autonomous Ombudsman institutions”, Mr Boshier says.

“This aligns with my work to build and support integrity institutions across the Pacific, and I will be hosting workshops and discussions with my Pacific counterparts on how to put the Resolution to use in this part of the world”, he says.

Mr Boshier is President of the Australasia and Pacific region of the International Ombudsmen Institution (IOI). He was also Chair of the IOI’s Resolution Working Group, which had critical input into the Resolution over the two years of its development.

“The IOI is the only global organisation for independent Ombudsman institutions, and has members from more than 100 countries across the world”, Mr Boshier says.

“The Resolution represents the culmination of the IOI’s work to develop a closer relationship with the UN. It recognises the role of the Ombudsman in the promotion and protection of human rights, good governance, and the rule of law”, Mr Boshier says.

“New Zealand was the first country outside of Scandinavia to appoint an Ombudsman. We are well recognised and regarded, and have played an important role internationally for many years. Promoting this Resolution is a natural part of this role”, he says.

The role of Ombudsman and mediator institutions in the promotion and protection of human rights, good governance and the rule of law was adopted by the UN General Assembly on 16 December 2020. It was proposed by the Kingdom of Morocco, and co-sponsored by New Zealand through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

The final Resolution is accessible on the UN website.

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