About the position

About the position:
Norway was the first country to establish a commissioner, or ombud, with statutory rights to protect children and their rights.

To select the Ombudsman for Children there is an open application procedure. After screening the candidates, one person is nominated and presented to the Cabinet.

The King, i.e. the Cabinet, appoints the Ombudsman for a four-year period. The Ombudsman can maximum hold office for two periods.

Ideally, the person appointed Ombudsman should be someone who will bring status, public and political respect to the task. It would be helpful to have a high public profile, enhancing the status and visibility of children.

Reidar Hjermann is Norway's fourth Ombudsman for Children and commenced his first period in April 2004. The first was Målfrid Grude Flekkøy (1981-89), followed by Trond Viggo Torgersen (1989-95) and Trond Waage (1996-2004).