African Union Adopts Charter for Ombuds Office

The African Union Commission has adopted "Operational Guidelines" for its Ombudsperson and Mediation Services Division. The document was finalized earlier this month and endorsed by the AUC Chairperson, HE Moussa Faki Mahamat, and the inaugural Head of Ombudsman and Mediation Division, Fouad Hendel.

In his introduction, Hendel explains that his office intends to be "a transformative force toward a more ethical, engages, fair and empowered organization and staff members around the African Union." The Guidelines explicitly adopt International Ombuds Association standards and sets out three goals for the Division: Ombudsing; Advisory; and Mediation. (AUC OMS Guidelines.)

Related posts: African Ombudsman Research Centre Opens in South Africa; African Ombuds Group Seeks Closer Ties to African Union; Overview of Ombuds in Africa and the AOMA; Job Posting; Meet the First Ombuds for the African Union Commission.