Ombudsmen have created mediation institutions around the world.
Initially created as political counterweights, to ensure the freedom and rights of citizens, ombudsmen then devoted themselves to helping citizens in their everyday dealings with government.
They also have the power to propose reforms.
The Ombudsmen spark off mediating institutions in the world.
Common features of Ombudsmen and Mediators
Despite differences between countries and institutions, some principles are shared by the national structures of mediation, whether they are called “Defensor of people” in Spain, “Prosecutor of Justice” in Portugal, “Citizen Protector” in Quebec and in Haiti, “Mediators” in Francophone African States.
• They intervene in relations between citizens and government to help resolve disputes or repair unfair situations,
• They have mostly a power to propose reforms,
• They have no power to impose or decide, they need to convince and persuade,
• They all have original status characterized by strong independence and autonomy,
• They protect the fundamental freedoms of citizens,
• These institutions are an indispensable actor in democratic regimes,
• They operate in network.
