The word Ombudsman is of Swedish origin and the Ombudsman institution was in fact first established in Sweden in 1809. The term “Ombudsman” is an English translation of the Swedish word umbuds man from the Old Norse umboosmaor, meaning representative.
In recent years the institution has become more closely linked to safeguarding the rule of law and the interests of citizens. The Ombudsman is increasingly being seen as a promoter of the fundamental right of individuals to good administration and a defender of citizens against maladministration, abuse of power and improper discrimination.
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