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Ombudsman concerned about lack of cooperation

Lobito, ANGOLA, October 26 - Angola's Ombudsman Carlos Ferreira Pinto Thursday in Lobito, coastal Benguela province, decried the lack of cooperation by public institutions relating to the defence of rights, freedoms and guarantees of citizens. ,

 

During a session on clarification of Ombudsman’s role, Carlos Ferreira Pinto regretted that the administrative services still see the institution (Ombudsman) as an opponent, rather than a partner ".

 

Among the constraints, the official pointed to the lack of financing, recalling that due to this situation the local services of the institution are restricted to five of the country's 18 provinces, with stress to Cabinda, Bengo, Cunene, Cuanza Sul and Huambo.

 

On handling of the complainants' proceedings, he clarified that the institution receives the matter, after analysis  it requests the other side to examine the issue. But some companies respond very late, ignoring the subject that ends up falling into oblivion.

 

The official said in case of an occurrence at the municipal level and whose the citizen does not get a response from the incumbent, he or she can resort to the provincial governor, the minister, until reaching, if necessary, the level of the President of the Republic.

 

On the other hand, the Ombudsman pointed out that any citizen, individually or in groups, can request the services of the institution through letter, e-mail or telephone, without any bureaucracy.

 

The meeting ran under the theme "The mandate of the Ombudsman and its action versus the fundamental rights of students".

The event was sponsored by the Polytechnic Institute of Lusíadas of Benguela (ISPLB), in partnership with the Ombudsman.

 

Paulo Tjipilica, former Minister of Justice, was the first Ombudsman in Angola.

 

He was elected for the first time in 2005 by Parliament.

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