The Protector of Citizens (), commonly referred to as

Ombudsman An ombudsman ( , also ) is a government employee who investigates and tries to resolve complaints, usually through recommendations (binding or not) or mediation. They are usually appointed by the government or by parliament (often with a sign ...

() is an independent state authority in

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, responsible for investigating and addressing complaints made by citizens against other government institutions. It was established and introduced into the legal system by the 2006 Constitution. Ombudsman is elected by the

National Assembly In politics, a national assembly is either a unicameral legislature, the lower house of a bicameral legislature, or both houses of a bicameral legislature together. In the English language it generally means "an assembly composed of the repr ...

for a five-year-term and is accountable to the National Assembly for his/her work, to which it reports every year or at their request.. The Ombudsman enjoys the same immunity as a member of the parliament.

Missions

The Ombudsman has competence to oversee the work of government agencies, the bodies authorized for legal protection of property rights and interests of Serbia and other bodies and organizations, enterprises and institutions which have been delegated public authority. He has no jurisdiction over the National Assembly, the

President of the Republic The President of the Republic is a title used for heads of state and/or heads of government in countries having republican form of government. Designation In most cases the president of a republic is elected, either: * by direct universal s ...

, the

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, the

Constitutional Court A constitutional court is a high court that deals primarily with constitutional law. Its main authority is to rule on whether laws that are challenged are in fact unconstitutional, i.e. whether they conflict with constitutionally established ru ...

, courts and Public Prosecutor's Office. The Ombudsman initiates proceedings following the complaint of a citizen or on his own initiative. State administration bodies are legally obliged to cooperate with the Ombudsman and to provide him access to their premises and all data in their possession, regardless of the degree of secrecy, when of interest to the investigation in process or the Ombudsman's preventive actions. As a result of an investigation, the Ombudsman may recommend dismissal of an official considered responsible for violation of the rights of citizens, may initiate disciplinary procedures against public administration employees, and may require initiation of penal, offence or other adequate procedure. The Ombudsman can also act preemptively, by offering advice and opinion on issues within his competence, to enhance the operation of the administration authorities and strengthen the protection of human liberties and rights. The Ombudsman is entitled to propose laws within its scope of competence, give opinions to the Government and the National Assembly on regulations under preparation and address the Constitutional Court to challenge the constitutionality of laws.

Organization

The ombudsman is aided by four deputies () specialised in legal domains such as Children's Rights and Gender Equality, Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Rights of National Minorities and Rights of Persons Deprived of Liberty.

List of officeholders

Source: ; Status

References

External links

*{{in lang, en}
Serbian Ombudsman
– official site Legal organizations based in Serbia Government of Serbia Ombudsman posts 2006 establishments in Serbia