Ombudsmen have created mediation institutions around the world.
Despite the differences across countries and institutions, some principles are shared by the national mediation organisations, whether they call themselves ""Defenders of the People "" in Spain, ""Procurers of Justice "" in Portugal, ""Ombudsmen"" in Quebec and Haïti, or""Mediators"" in French-speaking Africa:
• They intervene in relationships between citizens and state to help resolve disputes or correct unfair situations;
• They mostly have the power to propose reforms;
• They do not have the power to impose or decide, they must convince and persuade;
• They all have an original status characterised by strong independence and autonomy;
• They protect the fundamental freedoms of citizens;
• These institutions are an indispensable part of democratic regimes;
• They function as a network.
