The Ombudsman Institute from an Iberoamerican perspective. New approaches

Abstract

This paper analyzes the main objectives pursued by the Ombudsman’s Offices in Latin-America. It considers the framework in which these Offices perform their functions, being characterized by having a much more global and plural scope. The paper studies three aspects, that are key within these institutions. First, the work to protect human rights and especially the defense of economic, social, and cultural rights, from the principle of irreversibility. Second, the action to improve citizen participation, as a form of democratic reinforcement in order to guarantee the rights. Third, the factors that determine its independence and autonomy. Although these aspects are formally assured, in practice, there are serious problems that make it difficult to fulfill its function.