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Chief Ombudsman Mr. Mehmet Akarca, Ombudsmen Mr. Ertunç Erkan Balta and Mr. Sadettin Kalkan, and the Secretary General of the Ombudsman Institution Mr. Mehmet Doğan, met the public in Artvin within the scope of the program titled “The Role of the Ombudsman Institution in Resolving Disputes between Citizens and the Administration.”

Chief Ombudsman Mr. Mehmet Akarca, Governor of Artvin Dr. Turan Ergün, and Mayor of Artvin Mr. Bilgehan Erdem gave speeches during the program.

In his speech, Chief Ombudsman Mr. Akarca stated that, the Ombudsman Institution examines and investigates all acts and actions of the administrations, as well as the attitudes and behaviors of public officials in terms of law and equity, within an understanding of justice based on human rights, and provide recommendations to public institutions.

“Our goal is to resolve problems in the shortest, most practical, and fastest way possible without going to court.”

Explaining that the Ombudsman Institution strives to resolve citizens' problems with the administration amicably, Chief Ombudsman stated, “We act as a free advocate for citizens. The process for lodging complaints is incredibly easy: through our website, through e-Government, by email or regular mail, or through provincial and district governorates. Our goal is to resolve issues in the shortest, most practical, and fastest way possible without going to court. We obtain all necessary information and documents from the relevant administration and issue our decisions within six months. In Türkiye, The compliance rate with recommendations of the Ombudsman Institution is above the world average.”

Highlighting that the Ombudsman Institution is always at the service of the people, Chief Ombudsman Mr. Akarca stated, “In doing so, we provide guidance to the administration to ensure good administration , as required by the rule of law. We aim for transparency in governance, fair and equal treatment of citizens, and the delivery of timely and high-quality public services.”

“The Ombudsman Institution is a public institution that provides free services to citizens.”

Chief Ombudsman Mr. Akarca added:

“We receive between 15,000 and 20,000 complaints per year. The Ombudsman Institution does not handle disputes between private individuals; it only examines issues arising between individuals and public administrative bodies. Citizens can lodge a complaint to the Ombudsman Institution when they experience a problem regarding to public institutions. We conduct a thorough investigation and issue a decision within six months. No fees are charged to the citizens at any stage. We are a public institution providing free services to citizens. We also significantly reduce the workload of courts. We handle matters that fall within the scope of both administrative and judicial jurisdictions.”

Stating that there are Ombudsman Clubs in 156 universities, Chief Ombudsman underlined, “We receive a wide variety of complaints. Prison inmates lodge complaints, correctional officers lodge complaints, municipal workers, hospital staff, nurses and doctors, students from private schools — in short, Ombudsman Institution receives applications from citizens of all ages. Sometimes, a single decision issued by the Ombudsman Institution resolves the problems of 100 thousand people. Although our decisions are not legally binding, in countries where the rule of law is well-established and democracy is entrenched, the decisions of the Ombudsman Institution are respected and implemented as much as court decisions.”

Following the speeches, Chief Ombudsman Mr. Mehmet Akarca, Ombudsmen Mr. Ertunç Erkan Balta and Mr. Sadettin Kalkan, listened to the complaints and requests of citizens who took the floor during the “The Ombudsman Meets the Public in Artvin” program.

Chief Ombudsman Mr. Mehmet Akarca and His Delegation Conducted Official Visits in Artvin

As part of the “Ombudsman Meets with the People of Artvin” program, Chief Ombudsman Mr. Mehmet Akarca and the delegation of the Ombudsman Institution paid an official visit to Governor of Artvin, Dr. Turan Ergün, and Chief Ombudsman signed the Governorate's Book of Honor.

Chief Ombudsman Mehmet Akarca and the delegation of the Ombudsman Institution paid a visit Mayor of Artvin, Mr. Bilgehan Erdem.

Chief Ombudsman Mr. Mehmet Akarca and the Ombudsman Institution delegation paid visits to the Chairman of the Artvin Chamber of Commerce and Industry Mr. Seçkin Kurt, Head of Artvin Bar Association Ms. Handan Demiral Almalı, and the Regional President of Öz Orman-İş Trade Union Mr. Süleyman Şeyhoğlu.