Report

Promoting the Effectiveness of Democracy Protection Institutions in Southern Africa The Case of the Office of the Ombudsman in Namibia

“This paper has argued that constitutional provisions underpin the independence of the Office of the Ombudsman in Namibia, an independence reinforced by the Ombudsman Act. Thus, both the Constitution and the
Act can be regarded as appropriate tools for safeguarding the Ombudsman’s independence and locate the Ombudsman centrally to contribute significantly to the effective promotion of democracy. In particular, the
office is well positioned to play a crucial role in the promotion of a central democratic tenet, the protection of human rights. Thus far, the Office of the Ombudsman has, through its investigations and
resolution of complaints, played a defining role in the promotion of human rights and democracy. Its increasing interaction with other institutions also contributes to the promotion of democracy and human rights.”