The Parliamentary Ombud Hanne Harlem has a new job title.
–I am pleased that we now have a shorter, simpler, and gender-neutral name. Many people are already using the new name, so I believe the transition will go smoothly, said the Parliamentary Ombud Hanne Harlem.
The Parliamentary Ombud for Scrutiny of the Public Administration (The Parliamentary Ombud) will oversee public administration in order to prevent injustice towards individuals.
–The Parliamentary Ombud serves an important role for the public. Any person who believes they have been subjected to injustice from the public administration may appeal to the Parliamentary Ombud, says Harlem.
A new name and a new law
The Norwegian Parliament (Storting) has passed a new Act on the Parliamentary Ombud for Scrutiny of the Public Administration (Parliamentary Ombud Act), which stipulates that the Parliamentary Ombudsman (Sivilombudsmannen) is to be changed to the Parliamentary Ombud (Sivilombudet).
The Parliamentary Ombud
The Parliamentary Ombud investigates complaints from people who believe they have been subjected to injustice or mistakes by the public administration, and works to prevent torture and inhuman treatment in institutions by visiting the places where people are deprived of their liberty.
The Parliamentary Ombud handles complaints concerning state, municipal and county administration, and can also address cases on its own initiative. The ombud is elected by the Storting for a mandate of four years. The Parliamentary Ombud post was first created on 22 June 1962.