The Council of the Europe Commissioner for Human Rights published a recommendation providing a number of steps which national authorities can take to maximise the potential of artificial intelligence systems and prevent or mitigate the negative impact they may have on people’s lives and rights.

Join us in Toronto this coming October for the Ontario Ombudsman's internationally recognized training course for ombudsmen and administrative investigators, "Sharpening Your Teeth: Advanced Investigative Training for Administrative Watchdogs"!

Ombudsman Toronto's 2018 Annual Report, now available, celebrates a decade of listening, investigating and improving City services. The Annual Report highlights among others the results of some of the 2125 cases handled in 2018.

The Azerbaijani Ombudsman participated in the conference jointly organized with the Council of Europe, the Ombudsman Office, the State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affairs and the Press Council on “Gender Equality and Media” devoted to the 70^th anniversary of the CoE and the centenary of women’s suffrage in Azerbaijan.

The Government in New Zealand has announced a proposal aimed at strengthening the independent oversight of the Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children systems and children’s issues. The package includes a proposal to give the Ombudsman an enhanced role in overseeing complaints and investigations relating to children and young people in state custody.

The Office of the Ombudsman has added a new section to their website.  Summaries of selected cases can be found under the “Outcomes” tab at Ombudsman.ky.  These summaries provide insight into specific cases dealt with by the Ombudsman and include details about the resolution of those cases.

El Yuan de Control inició una investigación sobre la situación laboral de las personas con discapacidad con el fin de proteger sus derechos humanos fundamentales y defender sus oportunidades laborales. En la investigación se descubrió que las personas con discapacidad se enfrentan a situaciones difíciles como una baja tasa de participación en el mercado laboral, una alta tasa de desempleo, un salario bajo, incluido el trabajo atípico y dificultades para llegar a fin de mes.

In 2017, the Australian Government announced its intention to ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OPCAT) treaty. Since then, the Victorian Ombudsman has been actively investigating the practical changes needed to implement OPCAT in Victoria.

The 10th Biennial Caribbean Ombudsman Association Conference and Training will be held in Bermuda from 28th – 31st May.  The theme for the conference is “Strengthening the Role and Performance of the Ombudsman and Human Rights Institutions in the Caribbean and Latin America”. The training will be facilitated by Dr. Victor Ayeni and the theme will be “Advancing the Ombudsman’s Impact: Roles, Services and Performance”.