HONG KONG-UNS: The Wafaqi Mohtasib (Ombudsman), Mr. Ejaz Ahmad Qureshi has said that addressing maladministration and protection of human rights is inextricably linked to good governance, accountability and inclusivity. He was addressing the International Ombudsman Summit – 2024 in Hong Kong organized on the eve of the 35th anniversary of the establishment of the Office of the Ombudsman in Hong Kong, China.
Mr. Qureshi, who is the current President of the 47-member strong Asian Ombudsman Association (AOA), said that the United Nations, too, recognizes the importance of the institution of Ombudsman in strengthening democracy, good governance and the rule of law. Good administration and efficient service delivery constitute the most essential features of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), he added.
He further said that these goals have a direct bearing on the role and functions of Ombudsman institutions working to build peaceful and inclusive societies, accountable institutions at all levels and providing easy access to justice. He added that the scope of work of Ombudsman institutions is witnessing speedy expansion and now includes issues like the climate change, business rights, public accessibility and inclusivity.
Alluding to Pakistan’s experience, Mr. Qureshi said that Ombudsmanship has taken firm roots in the country. Following the success of Wafaqi Mohtasib Institution in providing free and expeditious administrative justice to the general public, the concept has been replicated to other essential areas impacting the welfare of general public. He added that 14 Ombudsman Institutions are functioning in the country at the Federal and Provincial levels and contributing in improving service delivery of the government agencies in their respective areas of competence.
The International Ombudsman Summit at Hong Kong is being attended by over
140 Overseas participants, representatives of the UN bodies including a large number of the member institutions of the Asian Ombudsman Association (AOA).
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