Réduit:The Office of the Ombudsman in Mauritius is set to commemorate its 56th anniversary on November 19, 2026, under the theme 'Honouring Our Legacy - Inspiring the Future 56 Years of Promoting Fairness, Accountability and Good Governance in the Public Sector'. The event will take place at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Public Service and Innovation in Réduit, with the President of the Republic, Mr. Dharam Gokhool, attending as the Chief Guest.
According to Government of Mauritius, the celebration will be attended by high dignitaries, senior public officials, local human rights institutions' chairpersons, Ombudspersons, and representatives from non-governmental organizations and civil society. The anniversary highlights the Office's service to the citizens of Mauritius and Rodrigues, emphasizing transparency, accountability, and fairness in public administration.
The anniversary provides an opportunity for reflection on the Office's achievements and a renewal of its commitment to protecting citizens' rights, as stated by Ombudsman Mr. Raj Kishore Ramsaha. The event will also feature a National Public Awareness Campaign, the unveiling of the Office's official logo, and the launch of a Trilingual Service Guide and an Electronic Complaint Management System (E-CMS). A video retracing 56 years of service will be screened, and partners and stakeholders will be recognized.
A series of activities from November 14 to 22 will include courtesy visits, a workshop on child rights, discussions on human rights and good governance, and meetings of the International Ombudsman Institute's African Working Group. A session with the Constitutional Review Commission will focus on the role of Ombudsman institutions.
The Constitution empowers the Ombudsman to investigate administrative actions where public claims of injustice due to maladministration arise. The Ombudsman’s jurisdiction covers various administrative authorities, and complaints must relate to personal injustices suffered. The Office provides services free of charge, ensuring accessible recourse for citizens.
Modernization efforts include a National Public Awareness Campaign and a Trilingual Service Guide. The introduction of the E-CMS aims to enhance administrative efficiency. Mr. Ramsaha emphasizes the importance of public awareness for the effective functioning of the institution.
The anniversary will also foster international cooperation, with delegates from Austria, South Africa, Zambia, Uganda, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Seychelles attending. The Office is a member of international organizations promoting cooperation among Ombudsman institutions. Discussions will cover the evolving role of such institutions and administrative justice.
The Government Programme 2025-2029 highlights the importance of reinforcing the Ombudsman Office. The institution focuses on strengthening investigative capacity, improving accessibility, embracing digital transformation, and increasing public awareness. Mr. Ramsaha underscores the need for innovation and commitment to fair, transparent, and accountable public service.
Originating from Sweden, the Ombudsman institution was proposed in Mauritius during the 1961 Constitutional Review Talks. The Ombudsman Act was enacted in 1969, and the Office began operations in 1970, playing a crucial role in maintaining administrative accountability and fairness.
Source Government of Mauritius
