About the Ombudsman for Children

HISTORY

Norway was the first country to establish a commissioner, or ombud, with statutory rights to protect children and their rights. Since 1981, the Ombudsman for Children in Norway has worked continuously to improve national and international legislation affecting children's welfare.

From the late 1960s, a strong political debate regarding the need for children to have an official Ombudsman to speak for them, was present in Norway and there was an agreement and understanding that children constituted a vulnerable group in society .Several debates took place in the Norwegian Parliament. Finally, Act No 5 was passed in March 1981.

LEGISLATION
Act No 5 and the instruction are the basis for the Ombudsman as an independent, non-partisan, politically neutral institution. Although the Ombudsman is administratively under the jurisdiction of the Ministry for Children and Family Affairs, neither the Norwegian Parliament nor the Government have the power to instruct the Ombudsman.

The Ombudsman is regarded as an active participant complying with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child both on a national and international level, which has now been incorporated into the Human Rights Act of 1999.

The duties of the Ombudsman are to promote children's interests to public and private authorities and to investigate the developments of conditions under which children grow up.

The Ombudsman has the power to investigate, criticise and publicise matters important to improve the welfare of children and youth. However, the Ombudsman cannot by law reverse administrative actions or revoke administrative decisions.

To select the Ombudsman for Children there is an open application procedure. After screening the candidates, one is nominated and presented to the Cabinet. The King (i.e. Cabinet) appoints the Ombudsman for a four-year period. The Ombudsman can hold office for two periods.

WORKING METHODS
As a result of the many expectations to be met, the Ombudsman office stresses its flexibility and aims for a holistic approach in the work that is carried out on behalf of the children.

The Ombudsman office takes on the role of a politician on behalf of the children and the role of an activist when a special case needs attention from the authorities and the media. In the next instance, however, the office may function as the adviser for children, parents, professionals and organisations regarding children's interests.

Initiating projects and research is another way to collect information concerning children. In addition, many institutions as well as the media turn to the Ombudsman for information. An increasing part of the organisation's workload stems from the aspect of communications, which represents another challenge for the future.