Category: news

Published: 26 January 2018

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THE OFFICE OF THE OMBUDSMAN CONCLUDES VALIDATION OF STRATEGIC PLAN

Friday 3rd November, 2017.

With support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Country Office in Freetown, the Office of the Ombudsman on Thursday 2nd November, 2017 held a workshop to validate the draft Ombudsman Strategic Plan 2018–2022.

Over the last seven weeks, the Office has been engaged in the development of a five-year strategic plan to guide its operations under the leadership of the new Ombudsman, Melron Nicol-Wilson Esq. A UNDP consultant, Charles Goredema from South Africa, has been providing technical assistance in the process.

The workshop, which was held at the Sierra Lighthouse Hotel - Aberdeen, attracted participants from the Office of the President, the Judiciary, Civil Society Organizations, and the various MDAs within the Justice Sector.

In his opening remarks, the Ombudsman Melron Nicol-Wilson thanked the participants for honouring his invitation to validate the Strategic Plan. He continued by explaining the functions of his Office; which is to resolve complaints against government ministries department and agencies, and encouraged the participants to make meaningful contribution which would enhance the process.

The priorities of the draft 2018–2022 Ombudsman Strategic Plan are:

1. Establish and maintain an institution that is technically competent and internally cohesive;

2. Ensure operational autonomy and financial independence;

3. Improve the visibility and accountability of the Ombudsman;

4. Enhance the impact of the Ombudsman on governance and service delivery;

The workshop concluded with a plenary session where participants asked questions, made comments and recommendations about the draft plan.

Category: news

Published: 30 January 2018

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The Ombudsman, Mr. Melron Nicol-Wilson, on Monday 6th November 2017, visited a number of stakeholders in Makeni, to raise awareness and enhance the good working relationship with his
Office.

The Ombudsman first met with the Brigade Commander of the 4th Infantry Brigade, Brigadier General Taluva and addressed the Officers and Men of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), present during their morning parade, at the TEKO

Barracks.

The Ombudsman also met with the Regional Police Commander of the North-Eastern region, AIG Amos Kargbo and commanders of the various units within the Sierra Leone Police in the Region.

 The Ombudsmen further met with the Correctional Service Officers in Makeni and also addressed the         inmates, about their rights to make complaints and have their grievances addressed. The Ombudsman held similar sensitisation meeting with staff of the Provincial Administration, in the office of the Provincial Secretary, North-Eastern province.

 In the afternoon, the Ombudsman met with the Resident Judge in Makeni, Justice I. M. Koroma, in his chambers.

The night before the visits to stakeholders, the Ombudsman sensitised and interacted with the public in Makeni, via Radio Mankneh 95.1 and SLBC Radio 88.0, both in Makeni City.

Category: news

Published: 30 January 2018

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In continuation of the outreach in the provinces, the Ombudsman, Melron Nicol-Wilson, on  Tuesday 7th November 2017, held a town hall meeting, at the Makeni City Council Hall, to sensitise members of the public about the functions of the Office of the Ombudsman and to get feedbacks on the work of the Office.

 The participants asked several questions, ranging from how independent and impartial is the Ombudsman; what distinguishes the Office of the Ombudsman from other complaints handling agencies, like the   Human Rights Commission, the Anti-Corruption Commission and the Independent Police Complaints Board; to what extent would the Ombudsman intervene in resolving some of the burning concerns they highlighted during the meeting.

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