PARLIAMENTARY OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE ON HUMAN RIGHTS PAYS FAMILIARIZATION VISIT TO THE OFFICE OF THE OMBUDSMAN

In fulfillment of its function the Parliamentary Committee on Human Rights has paid a familiarization visit to the Office of the Ombudsman. The 9 man Committee was led by the Chairman, Hon. Abdul Karim Kamara.
The Team met with the Ombudsman and his Management Team.

The Chairman noted that the Committee is familiarizing with the Ombudsman's Office to be up-to-date on the issues and challenges faced by the Office. He further stated that the Committee will be providing the necessary oversight to ensure that the work of the Ombudsman impact on the Civil/ Public Service.

Making a statement the Ombudsman Tejan Ahmed Israel Jah Esq, thanked the Committee for the visit. He noted that the Office is facing reprisals and other forms of attach from some Heads of Institutions as they see the Ombudsman as an intruder into their administration. He requested the Committee to assist the Office in amending its enabling legislation (Ombudsman Act, 1997) to have coercive powers to enforce its recommendations. He stated that the subvention given to the Office is minimal and cannot enable the office to go to reach ordinary citizens at district levels, as the Office currently operates at the regional levels. He thanked the Committee for the visit and promised to have further engagements with them.

Communications Dept.
Office of the Ombudsman
076-945-926