OSCE Skopje Mission launches Ombudsperson media campaign
(OSCE)Ombudsperson Branko Naumoski talks to press, after the launch of a public information campaign with the OSCE Mission, "The Ombudsman is on your side", Skopje, 24 October 2003. (OSCE) Photo details
SKOPJE, 24 October 2003 - An awareness-raising campaign aimed at bringing the Ombudsperson institution closer to the people through a series of media and promotional activities has been launched today in Skopje.
"The Ombudsman is on your side" campaign, which will run until November 2003, is a joint undertaking of the OSCE Spillover Monitor Mission to Skopje, the Ombudsperson's Office and the non-governmental organization OXO.
"Through this campaign," said Branko Naumoski, the Republic Ombudsperson, "all persons in the country will be well acquainted with the work of the office and learn how their rights can be protected by this institution."
The awareness move, launched at a press conference in Skopje, comes right after the adoption of a new Law on the Ombudsperson giving the Institution more power and independence.
"It is essential that every citizen has a clear understanding of what the institution is, what the new powers are and how the Ombudsman staff can assist them in protecting their rights," said Andrew Palmer, the OSCE Mission's Programme Director for Institution Building.
"The Ombudsperson can contribute to long-term peace and stability by ensuring the rights of persons from all communities are protected. Through its work, the Ombudsman team can keep the state accountable to the people. Through effective accountability, the confidence of the people in the state will increase."
Key elements of the campaign include the production of a 30-minute documentary video on the role of the Ombudsperson; a website for the institution, including electronic access to submit complaints; workshops for members of the Government, the media and civil society; public relations training for the Ombudsperson staff; public debates across the country organised by partner NGOs; information leaflets and advertisements in national and local print media and television appearances by the Ombudsperson and his deputies.
The campaign is also aimed at ensuring public servants are fully aware of their obligation and duty to co-operate with the investigations of the Ombudsperson. Specific workshops for civil servants will be organized for that purpose.
The project is sponsored by the OSCE Spillover Monitor Mission to Skopje, the Soros Foundation and the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).
"The Ombudsman is on your side" campaign, which will run until November 2003, is a joint undertaking of the OSCE Spillover Monitor Mission to Skopje, the Ombudsperson's Office and the non-governmental organization OXO.
"Through this campaign," said Branko Naumoski, the Republic Ombudsperson, "all persons in the country will be well acquainted with the work of the office and learn how their rights can be protected by this institution."
The awareness move, launched at a press conference in Skopje, comes right after the adoption of a new Law on the Ombudsperson giving the Institution more power and independence.
"It is essential that every citizen has a clear understanding of what the institution is, what the new powers are and how the Ombudsman staff can assist them in protecting their rights," said Andrew Palmer, the OSCE Mission's Programme Director for Institution Building.
"The Ombudsperson can contribute to long-term peace and stability by ensuring the rights of persons from all communities are protected. Through its work, the Ombudsman team can keep the state accountable to the people. Through effective accountability, the confidence of the people in the state will increase."
Key elements of the campaign include the production of a 30-minute documentary video on the role of the Ombudsperson; a website for the institution, including electronic access to submit complaints; workshops for members of the Government, the media and civil society; public relations training for the Ombudsperson staff; public debates across the country organised by partner NGOs; information leaflets and advertisements in national and local print media and television appearances by the Ombudsperson and his deputies.
The campaign is also aimed at ensuring public servants are fully aware of their obligation and duty to co-operate with the investigations of the Ombudsperson. Specific workshops for civil servants will be organized for that purpose.
The project is sponsored by the OSCE Spillover Monitor Mission to Skopje, the Soros Foundation and the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).