PRINCIPLES AND STANDARDS OF OMBUDSMAN’S ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIVITY

Abstract

The article is devoted to the study of the principles and standards of Ombudsman’s administrative activity. It is noted that in modern conditions, when human rights are increasingly threatened by armed conflicts, social and economic challenges, Ombudsman’s administrative activity is a special balancing instrument between the state and the citizen, guaranteeing compliance with the principle of the rule of law, legal justice and humanism. One of the key characteristics of this institute is its administrative component, which is manifested in the implementation of systematic, normatively regulated activities for considering appeals, analyzing public administration practices, and preparing conclusions and recommendations. An important aspect of Ombudsman's administrative activity is compliance with the principles and standards that stem from the general principles of the functioning of a democratic state governed by the rule of law, as well as from the specifics of the status and tasks of the Ombudsman institution itself. The principles of the Ombudsman's administrative activity are defined as fundamental ideas and norms that determine the essence, boundaries, forms and methods of the Ombudsman's activity to monitor compliance with human rights and freedoms, ensuring its effectiveness, impartiality, transparency and adherence to the rule of law. The key principles include: independence, transparency, accessibility, objectivity, impartiality, apoliticality, voluntary submission of applications, free of charge, and humanism, which are of decisive importance for ensuring the effectiveness of Ombudsman’s human rights protection function. It is noted that the standards and functional criteria for the activities of Ombudsmen are enshrined in the Paris Principles adopted by the UN General Assembly and the Venice Principles for the Protection and Development of Ombudsman Institutions adopted by the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe. They serve as an internationally recognized basis for assessing the effectiveness of human rights institutions and harmonizing their functioning. It is concluded that the principles and standards of the Ombudsman's administrative activity form the basis for effective, objective and impartial protection of human and citizen rights and freedoms in relations with public administration bodies.