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C. Co-operation and dialogue

Co-operation with counterpart institutions

Principle 11(a)

There are numerous examples of Ombudsman institutions cooperating
and working together. In Ireland and the United Kingdom, the
Ombudsman Association (an umbrella body for complaint handling
organisations in these jurisdictions) provides a network allowing
Ombudsman staff to meet at regular conferences and interest group
meetings. It publishes a regular newsletter and hosts a members’ area
on its website to share information. The Ombudsman Association
provides a forum for cooperation and developing best practice, for
example, it has published a Guide to Principles of Good Complaint
Handling and a Service Standards Framework for its members. Networks
also exist in the Nordic States, in Belgium, in Spain and in other countries
with multiple Ombudsman Offices. Moreover, the Association of
Mediterranean Ombudsmen, the Association of Mediators and
Ombudsman Institutions of the Francophone countries, the Eurasian
Ombudsman Alliance and the International Ombudsman Institution aim
at strengthening cooperation among peers.
In Portugal, the Portuguese Ombudsman’s Annual Report for 2017
highlights a wide range of activities undertaken in collaboration with other
Ombudsman institutions. This includes holding the presidency of the
Ibero-American Ombudsman Association and participating in support
and development projects. For example, the Ombudsman participated in
a twinning project to support the establishment of an Ombudsman
institution in Türkiye, including participation in a series of workshops and
seminars on various aspects of the Ombudsman's work and human
rights. The Ombudsman also took part in a project to support the
Commissioner for Human Rights of the Republic of Azerbaijan, organised
by the European Commission, the Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
and the Polish Human Rights Commissioner.
The Ombudsman’s Office in Montenegro carries out regular study visits
to peer institutions in EU countries in order to exchange information and
experience regarding the coherent application of European human rights
standards, with the support of a joint Council of Europe and European
Union project. The study visits allow the Ombudsman staff to compare
practices with peers and has led to enhanced self-confidence that allows
greater innovation within their existing mandate. The visits also often
result in the establishment of professional networks, under which
communication continues.
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