IOM Ombudsperson, Rogelio Bernal, has published his report covering the activities of the Office of Ombudsperson and Mediation Services in 2022. Bernal reports that his office assisted 398 visitors in 2022, about 9% less than the prior year. Issues related to evaluative relationships were the top visitor concern. He also reported on a wide range of initiatives designed to strengthen the Ombuds office and improve conflict competence within IOM, including creating a mobile app and launching IOA's School on Negotiation. The full report is available online. (IOA Ombuds Report.)
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The IOM Ombuds website is interesting in that it states: "The role of the Ombudsperson is to mediate in conflicts of any nature related to employment in IOM...." And then that the Office ".... operates in accordance with the ... Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics of the International Ombuds Association...."
ReplyDeleteWhile the roles of the mediator and the Ombuds are certainly similar, the idea that the "role" is to mediate is simply incorrect; to mediate "could" be an option at the election of the visitor, but it's not "the role." Distinctions matter, no?